The Rolling Stones have welcomed Bill Wyman back to the band for the first time in decades as they prepare to pay tribute to late drummer Charlie Watts.
The 86-year-old bass guitar player will reunite with 79-year-old Sir Mick Jagger, 79-year-old Keith Richards and 76-year-old Ronnie Wood on the band’s upcoming 26th album.
Bill last recorded music with the band 30 years ago and the upcoming new album is to be a tribute to late drummer Charlie who passed away in 2021 at the age of 80.
Bill will feature on one of the tracks of the upcoming album, and flew to Los Angeles to take part in a recording session in a music studio.
A source told The Sun: “Bill hasn't seen the band together for years, but always loved Charlie. This record's really a tribute to Charlie, so he couldn't say no.”
The source continued: “After Charlie's passing there was some uncertainty about what to do next. They had stadium dates scheduled so pressed ahead, but afterwards it wasn't clear what the future looked like.
“But now they've had time to reflect they all feel it's the right thing to keep doing what they've always done as a band, make new music and hopefully hit the road again to perform it to their fans.”
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Ronnie has also been speaking about the upcoming album in recent weeks, telling reporters: “We are recording the new album now and we are going to LA in a few weeks to carry it on and finish it off. Charlie is on some of the tracks and drummer Steve Jordan.”
It is expected the band will embark on a major tour to support the album too - which is expected to be released at some point this year.
The band's last album release was Blue and Lonesome, which was released in 2016 and was an album of cover songs.
Steve Jordan, 66, had joined the Stones on tour following the death of Charlie and will serve as their drummer on the new record.
Reports have suggested that the album will feature other guest appearances - including one by The Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney.
Billboard reported back in February that the 80-year-old star would be “playing bass on a song” on one of the new tracks.
The Yellow Submarine singer has long praised his chart rivals, saying previously: “The Stones are a fantastic group, I go to see them every time they come out because they’re a great, great band and Mick can really do it, the singing and the moves, and Keith and now Ronnie and Charlie. They’re great.”
Billboard also reported at the time: "In addition to McCartney, the Stones album is likely to feature drumming from the group’s late timekeeper Charlie Watts, who died in 2021.
"Longtime group friend and touring drummer Steve Jordan told the L.A. Times that Watts had recorded his drum parts for a handful of songs before his passing."
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