Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts seated on tour

As a group, The rolling stones turning 60 next year is five years before retirement age here in the United States. Don’t tell its members, however. Mick always does his little chicken dance like he is not 78 years old with a 4-a 1 year old son named Deveraux Octavian Basil Jagger. But, what can you say? They always had it.

However, as they prepare for their “No Filter” tour, which has been delayed due to the pandemic, one of the Stones will likely stay home this time around. Charlie Watts, Stones drummer since 1963 and 80-year-old man, will likely spend next year at home rather than behind the battery, according to a statement from the group. The news is not the result of a group drama allegedly related to vaccines, like that of the Offspring, but rather as a result of a medical procedure from which Watts is still recovering.

“Charlie underwent a perfectly successful procedure, but I guess his doctors concluded this week that he now needs proper rest and recovery,” the group spokesperson said. “With rehearsals starting in a few weeks, it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say that no one saw it coming.”

Watts also expressed his disappointment at having to sit this one down. He said:

For once, my timing was a bit off. I work hard to be in great shape, but I accepted today, on the advice of the experts, that it will take some time. After all the fan suffering caused by COVID, I really don’t want the many RS fans who held tickets to this Tour to be disappointed with yet another postponement or cancellation. So I asked my great friend Steve Jordan to replace me.

Emmy and Grammy winner Steve Jordan best known for his work with bands on Saturday Night Live and Late at night with David Letterman, will fill in for Watts. Like the rest of us, Jordan is hoping his kit time will be short-lived. “It’s an absolute honorr and a privilege to be Charlie’s understudy and I can’t wait to rehearse with Mick, Keith and Ronnie, ”he said. “No we will be happier than me to give up my place on the drum Lift up as soon as Charlie tells me he’s ready to go.