A Complete Guide To Rolling Stones’ Lineup Changes

The Rolling Stones are set to release their latest album, Hackney Diamonds, on October 20th, and it’s causing quite a stir in the world of rock and roll. One of the most significant changes for the iconic band is the introduction of not one but two drummers on the album.

This shift marks a departure from the familiar presence of Charlie Watts, who was a cornerstone of the group for nearly six decades until his passing in 2021.

In this article, we’ll delve into the story behind this drumming evolution, exploring how the Stones replaced Charlie Watts and their history of drummers.

Replacing Charlie Watts

Charlie Watts was sick while the Rolling Stones were getting ready to go on tour in 2021. The drummer decided to stand in for him and recruited his “great friend” Steve Jordan. Although he is still not a band member, Jordan took over the job on a full-time basis when Watts died away.

“Ever since Charlie’s gone, it’s different, of course,” Keith Richards said in an interview with Spin. “Of course, he’s missed incredibly. Thanks to Charlie, we have Steve Jordan, who was Charlie’s recommendation if anything should happen to him. It would have been a lot harder without Charlie’s blessing.”

Jordan is undoubtedly well-qualified for the role, having collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, such as Stevie Nicks, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Don Henley, James Taylor, Billy Joel, John Mellencamp, Rod Stewart, and, naturally, Keith Richards. It’s worth noting that Jordan plays the drums on all but two tracks of Hackney Diamonds.

The Rare Occurrence of Different Drummers

Jordan will only be the third drummer (apart from Watts) to have his name included on one of the Rolling Stones’ albums, despite the fact that they frequently add percussionists to round out their sound.

The Rolling Stones’ albums Beggars Banquet from 1968, Let It Bleed from 1969, Sticky Fingers from 1971, Exile on Main St. from 1972, and Goats Head Soup from 1973 were all produced by Jimmy Miller. Additionally, he contributed drums to a few of their songs, such as “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” “Happy,” “Shine a Light,” and “Tumbling Dice.”

When he played drums on the 1974 Rolling Stones song “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It),” Kenney Jones was already well-known for his work with the Small Faces and Faces. Later, he joined the Who.