Charlie Watts Blasts Beatles and Elvis
What's up with the Rolling Stones? As they fast approach the anniversary of their half century of playing together, guitarist Keith Richards recently hopped on the wagon after decades of pummeling his body and now drummer Charlie Watts has told an Austrian newspaper that he's always hated the music of Elvis Presley and 60s rival the Beatles.
The drummer, who is currently playing a series of concerts in Austria with blues-jazz ensemble The ABC&D of Boogie Woogie (named after the musicians in the band - pianists Axel Zwingenberger and Ben Waters, drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Dave Green), said, "I've never been a big Beatles fan.
"Of Ringo, yes, but not of the music. And I've always hated Elvis. He was the last one I wanted to use as a guide. Miles Davis and Fats Domino, yes, but Elvis, no."
The legendarily non-plussed Watts also said the he wouldn't be bothered if the Stones stopped rolling. "
Honestly, I couldn't care less if it were over."
He added, "Jazz is my passion. This is the music that I really want to do.
The Stones are merely an annoying pastime."
However, the Austrian tour's promoter, Willi Turk, was adamant that the Rolling Stones would be back in action soon.
He said, "The ABC & D concerts are only possible because the Stones are just taking a break. But when Mick Jagger calls, Charlie is ready. "
Charlie Watts Blasts Beatles and Elvis - Spinner