Recommendations of the Editorial team
He is a versatile and busy man. In addition to caring for his family and cultivating his strong collecting streak, Bill Wyman has found time in recent years for archaeological excavations and 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 planned. Shouldn’t it be over after three albums? Yes, but we just can’t stop. Not as long as we have so much fun and people want to see us and buy our records.
>>> An article from the ROLLING STONE archive (2004)
Isn’t it a bonus business 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.
“I have to earn a living”
It’s good that you no longer have to earn money yourself and can classify music as a leisure activity.
You’re wrong, I’m like the others: I have to earn a living.
The Times Rich List estimated your fortune at £40 million. Since then, you’ve sold your thriving restaurants and written a few successful books.
Unfortunately, only the latter is true. This number seems completely out of thin air to me. If I were that rich, I would already know that. No, compared to most pop stars, I’m at best wealthy. Okay, I own a few houses, antiques, and the like, but I also have three school-aged children and a few expensive hobbyhorses. If I want to maintain my standard of living there, I have to earn money. That’s okay, I’m not complaining at all.
Your own fault. 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 few times. Six years ago Mick said: “Think again, you can 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 by Keith Richards
Did Mick take offense at this rejection?
No, he secretly expected it. We have a better relationship today than before. I am still in friendly contact with Charlie. If there’s anything I miss about living with the Stones, it’s his company, his dry humor. The only person who hasn’t really forgiven me to this day is Keith. For him, the Stones have a mythical meaning, and anyone who leaves them is committing high treason.
You could have at least taken part in a few gigs. There was a rumor in London that you were softening up.
Yes, it was strange. The atmosphere backstage in the Wembley Arena was very relaxed and the interaction was almost 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 what did you think of the show?
Oh, they were great, no question. Very loud. Would I have liked to have been there, up front, on that huge stage? Yes, part of me does. But I’m sure that people will come knocking on my door again when the next tour comes up
Money for nothing and chicks for free – is that no longer attractive?
Neither, this is over. By the way, Mark Knopfler plays on our new record, together with Albert Lee.
And you surprise us with “Taxman” by the Beatles.
Yes, a thank you to George, who was a good friend of mine and who also played on our last record.
So we can expect “Sultans Of Swing” on the next one?
Not a bad idea.
Background info
Bill Wyman released their fifth record “Just For A Thrill” with the Rhythm Kings in 2004. In the same year the live LP “Struttin’ Our Stuff – Live in Concert” was released.