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Bill Wyman on being frustrated as a Rolling Stones member
“You’re always frustrated, you don’t have the chance to do a song on the album, like the Beatles did with Ringo and George, or like Led Zeppelin, where everybody was given a chance to contribute. There never is a chance with the Stones.”
This quote highlights the frustrations Bill Wyman experienced during his time as the bassist for the Rolling Stones, a role he held from 1962 until his departure in 1993. As a founding member, Wyman contributed significantly to the band’s rhythm section, providing the steady bass lines that became a hallmark of their sound. However, his tenure with the band wasn’t without its challenges.
Wyman often expressed feelings of being overshadowed creatively. While Mick Jagger and Keith Richards dominated the songwriting and decision-making, other members, including Wyman, had limited opportunities to showcase their own musical ideas. Despite composing songs like In Another Land on the Their Satanic Majesties Request album (1967), his contributions as a songwriter were rare, leaving him feeling underappreciated.
Another point of frustration for Wyman was the demanding nature of being in one of the world’s most famous rock bands. The relentless touring, chaotic schedules, and intense media scrutiny took their toll. As the Stones evolved into a global phenomenon, the focus on maintaining their image and producing commercial hits often left little room for individual creative freedom.
Wyman’s frustrations eventually led to his decision to leave the band in 1993. Post-Stones, he pursued a solo career, authored books, and formed his own group, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, which allowed him greater creative control. While his time with the Rolling Stones brought him fame and success, his reflections on the experience reveal the complexities of being part of such a dominant and enduring band.
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