>>> An article from the ROLLING STONE archive (2004)
He is a versatile and busy man. In addition to looking after his family and cultivating his strong collector’s habit, Bill Wyman has found time for archaeological digs in recent years and has written books about the history of the blues, his old combo and his friend Marc Chagall.
And with his Rhythm Kings he runs a band that has long since lost its original character as a hobby workshop and is currently on tour again. But that wasn’t the plan. Shouldn’t it be over after three albums? Yes, but we just can’t stop. Not when we’re having so much fun and people want to see us and buy our records.
Isn’t it a subsidy deal to tour with such a big band?
Only in Germany. The tax burden here is enormous. It’s cheaper elsewhere. But it’s true that there isn’t much left when nine musicians and an equally large crew have to be paid for.
I have to earn a living
It’s good that you don’t have to earn any more money yourself and can book music as a leisure activity.
You’re wrong there, I’m like the others: I have to earn a living.
The Times Rich List put your fortune at £40 million. Since then you’ve sold your thriving restaurants and written a couple of successful books.
Unfortunately, only the latter is true. This number seems to me completely out of thin air. If I were that rich, I would know that already. No, compared to most pop stars, I’m wealthy at best. Okay, I own a few houses, antiques and the like, but I also have three school-age children and some expensive hobby horses. If I want to maintain my standard of living there, I have to earn money. That’s okay, I’m not complaining at all.
Themselves to blame. After all, you had a dream job – and you quit it.
I haven’t regretted it for a second. I’m happier without this job. Besides, I could have him back at any time. You’ve asked me about it a couple of times. Six years ago Mick said: “Think about it again, you’ll get a good 20 million.” Not a bad deal for 18 months, but I politely declined. My personal happiness is more important to me.
No mercy from Keith Richards
Did Mick take this refusal badly?
No, he secretly expected it. We have a better relationship now than we used to. I am also still in friendly contact with Charlie. If there’s one thing I miss about living with the Stones, it’s his company, his wry sense of humor. The only one who hasn’t really forgiven me to this day is Keith. For him, the Stones have a mythical meaning, and whoever leaves them commits high treason.
You could have done at least a few gigs. The rumor went around London that you were softening.
Yes it was weird. The atmosphere backstage in the Wembley Arena was very relaxed, the interaction was downright cordial. Also with Keith. He wrestled with my children on the floor. If they had asked me to go on stage with them that night, who knows. But they didn’t. Proud I think. They didn’t want to pick up another basket.
And how did you like the show?
Oh, they were great, no question about it. Very loud. Would I have liked to have been there, up front, on this huge stage? Yes, a part of me does. But I’m sure they’ll knock on my door again when the next tour comes up
Money for nothing and chicks for free – is that no longer appealing?
Neither, that’s over. By the way, Mark Knopfler plays on our new record together with Albert Lee.
And you surprise with “Taxman” by the Beatles.
Yes, thanks to George who was a good friend of mine and who was also on our last record.
So we can expect “Sultans Of Swing” on the next one?
Not a bad idea.
background info
Bill Wyman released her fifth record, Just For A Thrill, with the Rhythm Kings in 2004. The live LP “Struttin’ Our Stuff – Live in Concert” was released in the same year.