Still rocking, but not stoned

It’s hard to believe that an active member of both a rock and a blues band still touring the world could have been 9 years old at the end of WW2 ! But Bill Wyman is and not only that, finding enjoyment from his hobbies of writing, archaeology and metal detecting, going about his business with flair and enthusiasm.

Bill was born in Penge, a south east London suburb now merged in with the enveloping ‘City’ and his hobbies would perhaps reflect his academic education at Grammar School.

He was actually born ‘Bill Perks’ but changed his name during National Service, taking the name from a best mate.

The first Band he played with were known as ‘The Cliftons’ and mainly played the jazzy skiffle familiar to those who were around during the Lonnie Donnigan, Chris Barber days of the 1950’s. His claim to fame at that time being that he removed the frets from his Bass Guitar to make it not only faster but being able to play by traditional means as the ‘Double Bass’.

He was a founder member of the Rolling Stones and in 1963 rose to stardom with them with the single ‘Come On’.
For him and the rest of the Band it was a case of playing their own style, heavily influenced by the likes of Muddy Walters and Howlin Wolf etc., but being able to earn a buck or two through the commercial competition of that time.

As the years rolled by, other ‘rock and roll’ bands dwindled and simply became cult music whereas The Stones continued their constant domination through to this day.

Why? The main thing being they were and still are good at it! Jaggers stage style will live for years and will be hard to emulate. The other things are they seemed to have paced themselves well, they appeal to most (especially the ‘rebellious’) and have stamped their authority on music and even social behaviour of the last 40 years.

Like every Band, there are those who are showmen and those who quietly get on and do their job. Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman being of the latter ilk.

Since 1974, Bill has developed his own interests in Blues music, making various solo albums but now most enjoys playing with his own Band, ‘The Rhythm Kings’.

Also, where others have maintained more the Celeb status, Wyman has become, for want of a better expression, a bit Geeky !!
His books, or maybe memoirs describe them better, aren’t just that – they are virtually Diaries – and you know what – because he kept them!
He would probably be able to tell you what the weather was like when they played in Cleethorpes in July 1967, if they did.

Along with good books about the life of the Stones, he has recently brought out a book of Cartoons which he has collected other the years.

His most recent book, on Metal Detecting is a ‘5 Star Pick’ on Amazon and has excellent reviews from many other sources.

There are many who may say ‘well, he can afford to do all this’ – that’s true, but he has. He is where he is because he has been a part of something which has entertained literally millions of people since before most of them were born!

Looking remarkably fit for his 70 years, he’s still going around like a 35-year-old and would appear to have the talent of taking the laughter he gets from some quarters.
He admits that if it weren’t for The Stones, he’d be an Archaeologist- maybe in the ranks of those Absent Minded types on ‘Time Team’ or perhaps the Bill Oddy of the Metal Detecting world.

But surely, he is a prime and fine example of a 70 year who is getting as much out of life as he can because I’m sure he’s the same as anyone else with the thought at the back of your mind “We’re not here forever”.

Roll on Bill and thanks for your contribution to a lot of people’s happiness.

For books and other items by Bill Wyman, type his name into the Amazon box on left.