Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has declared that leaving the legendary rock band is a decision he stands by fully, even suggesting he wished he’d departed "much sooner."
In a candid interview with Classic Rock, Wyman, who was a cornerstone of the Stones from 1962 to 1993, revealed the financial strain he faced when internal tensions between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards forced the band into an unwelcome hiatus.
"I should have exited in the 80s when things started to unravel," he confessed."I held on for three final tours, spanning ’89 and ’90, after seven stagnant years. I was left with a bank overdraft of £200,000 as we weren’t generating any income."
Wyman contrasted his situation with that of jagger and Richards, who remained financially secure. "mick and Keith were incredibly affluent, so it didn’t impact them, but Charlie [watts], Ronnie [Wood], and I were struggling. Ronnie even started creating art to support his family."
He emphasized that he only rejoined the band with the hope that it would be short-lived, as he had numerous other passions he wanted to pursue. "I longed to delve into archaeology, wriet books, take up photography, play charity cricket – a whole host of interests.And even thirty years later, those desires haven’t faded," Wyman admitted.
The musician added that his departure was met with disbelief by the other members. "They absolutely refused to except it. They insisted, ‘You haven’t left.’ When they started planning the next year, I stated, ‘there’s no point discussing this because I’m leaving.’ They responded with, ‘Your not leaving.’ I reiterated, ‘I am leaving. I have left.’ They simply wouldn’t believe me. Two years passed, and they were already assembling for a new album in ’94. ‘Are you still in the band?’ they asked. I said, ‘I left two years ago.’"
Wyman shared that Mick and Charlie tried to persuade him to stay, but he was resolute. He simply walked away from it all. "I cleared the air, relinquished a career, a arduous marriage… remarried and formed the Rhythm Kings with georgie Fame and Gary Brooker, purely for the love of music."
How has Bill Wyman’s life and career evolved since leaving the Rolling Stones?
Interview: Bill Wyman Reflects on His Departure from the Rolling Stones and Life Beyond Rock ‘n’ roll
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Bill Wyman, the former bassist of the legendary rock band, the Rolling Stones. In a recent interview with Classic rock, Wyman shared profound insights about his departure from the band, his financial struggles during that time, and how he has redirected his passions post-Rolling Stones. Welcome, Bill!
Q: You’ve stated you wish you had left the Rolling Stones sooner. Can you elaborate on what prompted this feeling?
Bill Wyman: Absolutely. Looking back, I realize that the internal tensions within the band were growing in the 80s, especially between Mick and Keith. While I held on for three more tours in ‘89 and ’90, it was a challenging time financially. I was left with a £200,000 overdraft, while Mick and Keith remained affluent. It became clear that my financial struggles were weighing on me, and I should have exited to preserve both my finances and my mental health.
Q: you mentioned the financial strain—how did this experience compare to the financial situations of the other band members?
Bill Wyman: There was a noticeable divide. Mick and Keith were incredibly secure financially, fully insulated from our struggles. On the other hand, Charlie, Ronnie, and I felt the impact more severely. Ronnie even ventured into creating art to support his family. Seeing my bandmates thrive while I struggled added to my realization that my time in the band was becoming detrimental.
Q: What drove you to leave the band despite your long-standing commitment to it?
Bill Wyman: My real passions were elsewhere. I yearned to explore interests like archaeology, writing, photography, and even charity cricket. These were things that made me feel alive beyond the pressures of touring and performing.When I finally decided to leave, it was a liberation—I was stepping away to pursue a life that resonated more with who I am.
Q: How did the other members react to your decision to leave?
Bill Wyman: Their disbelief was almost comical. They simply couldn’t accept that I was gone. When I tried to explain that I had left, they insisted I hadn’t. Two years passed before they were shocked to learn that I was serious about my departure. It was a surreal moment, but I was resolute—walking away was the best choice for me at that time.
Q: You mentioned clearing the air and reshaping your life after leaving. what have been some of the most rewarding pursuits as then?
Bill Wyman: After stepping away from the band, I remarried and formed the Rhythm Kings with Georgie Fame and Gary Brooker, simply for the love of music. I’ve taken time to indulge in my interests like writing and photography. It’s rewarding to explore these passions without the constraints that come with being in a massive band like the Stones.
Q: For readers who might find themselves in a similar situation—be it in a band or a job—what practical advice can you share about knowing when to leave?
Bill Wyman: Trust your instincts. If you feel yourself being drained emotionally or financially, it’s worth reassessing your situation. Life is too short to stick around in circumstances that don’t serve your happiness or growth. Lean into your passions, and if an opportunity arises to pursue them, take it. Remember that your well-being should always come first.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Bill, for sharing your experiences and insights. Your journey offers valuable lessons on the importance of pursuing one’s passions and recognizing when it’s time for a change.
