Bill Wyman reflected on his Rolling Stones exit: ‘I should have left earlier’

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As a fan who’s always been intrigued by the lives of rock legends, Bill Wyman’s revelations about his time with The Rolling Stones have left me both stunned and empathetic. Here’s a man who was part of one of the most iconic bands in history, yet struggled financially despite their success. It’s like finding out that Santa Claus has trouble paying his electric bill!

Bill Wyman, previously known as “The Quiet Stone” and former bassist for The Rolling Stones, expressed that parting ways with the band in 1993 was one of his best choices, although looking back, he feels he should have left them significantly sooner.

In a recent conversation, Wyman, who was with The Stones since their start in 1962 and eventually left, discussed the economic hardships and personal pressures that led to his departure from the iconic rock group. Wyman disclosed that despite their remarkable success, the band faced financial troubles during his time. He also admitted that at one point, they were struggling financially, saying “We had no money.

As a devoted Rolling Stones fan, I can’t help but reflect on how seminal albums such as Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed skyrocketed their fame worldwide. However, behind the scenes, challenges loomed large. Mismanagement and the oppressive 93% tax rate under Prime Minister Harold Wilson brought about considerable hardships for the band. Allen Klein, their former manager, held tight rein over the earnings, forcing members like Wyman to resort to begging when they found themselves in need of funds. Wyman himself clarified that it wasn’t a life of endless partying, but rather constant financial worries that consumed them as they grappled with paying their bills.

Contrary to the popular belief that rock stars amass wealth swiftly through performances, Wyman asserted, “I simply had enough.” Despite decades of touring and recording, he found himself in debt by £200,000 with an overdrawn bank account. This might come as a surprise to some, given the Stones’ reputation for embodying rock and roll spirit. After all, one would think that someone in such a prominent band wouldn’t struggle financially.

Why this claim by Bill Wyman matters

The wealth gap within the group was reportedly quite noticeable; Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who held the majority of the band’s songwriting royalties, accumulated substantial wealth, whereas Wyman, along with Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood, allegedly faced financial hardship. To quote him: “Mick and Keith were extremely wealthy, but me, Charlie, and Ronnie were barely making ends meet…

As a die-hard Rolling Stones fan, I can’t help but share the insights I’ve gathered about their journey during those transformative years between 1989 and 1990. The Steel Wheels and Urban Jungle tours, which were designed to reinvigorate the band’s success with tracks like “Shattered,” were indeed a commercial comeback. However, amidst this resurgence, our bassist, Wyman, was contemplating his departure. He had begun to lose enthusiasm for the relentless touring lifestyle and harbored dreams beyond music – in writing, photography, archaeology, and more.

Reflecting back, he resumed interacting with them under the assumption that it would be for just a few years. Thirty years later, however, he is still trying to make up for lost time on his desired activities. The fact that Wyman chose to depart was not easily swallowed by the band.

He remembered how the other members had disbelieved him when he announced his resignation, as he had numerous conversations with them where they dismissed it. To this day, two years after he left, it’s said that the group questioned if he was still a part of the band. Despite being one of the most famous rock and roll bands in history, Wyman maintained his stance, stating that he was “overjoyed to have departed” in the end, despite the emotional turmoil his exit may have caused.

Life after the Rolling Stones

After parting ways, Wyman has dedicated himself to a multitude of pastimes such as composing books and participating in charity cricket matches. Additionally, he unveiled fresh solo tunes; his album “Drive My Car” being his first in nearly a decade. Simultaneously, the Rolling Stones maintained their commercial success, yet Wyman has shown no remorse over departing from their extraordinary ascent.

Wyman’s narrative vividly illustrates a less glamorous, possibly shocking, aspect of life in one of the world’s top rock bands, focusing on the intricacies of fame, potential financial disparities, and personal satisfaction. Interestingly, The Rolling Stones may not encounter the same issues often associated with being overlooked, which is a common claim about The Kinks.

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2024-12-11 16:01