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Rolling Stones quotes: Charlie Watts about The Stones being the best when they’re onstage (2013)
CHARLIE WATTS ON THE STONES LIVE VIBE Charlie Watts spills the truth: The Rolling Stones were always made for the stage, not the studio. Sure, The Beatles nailed it in recordings, but the Stones thrived on chaos, energy, and crowd-pleasing raucousness. For Charlie, nothing beats hearing your new record on the radio — ego boost aside — because the real magic happens live, under the lights, with the fans going wild. The Stones aren’t just a band, they’re a live spectacle.
“Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, we are a live band. We always have been, even in the early days. The Beatles were fabulous in a studio, getting their songs together, but we were much better at entertaining — we were more raucous. I think we’re a better live band than a lot. For your ego, there’s nothing nicer than driving down Santa Monica and hearing yourself on the radio, especially if it’s a new record. But the real fun is on the stage.”
“Yeah, we are a live band. Always have been, even from the early days. While bands like The Beatles excelled in the studio, perfecting their songs, we thrived on the energy of the crowd and the raw, raucous atmosphere. Entertaining live has always been our strength. There’s a special magic when the lights go down and the stage comes alive — that’s where we truly shine.”
Charlie Watts on the Thrill of the Stage
Charlie Watts emphasized that, although hearing your new record on the radio is great for the ego, it can’t compare to the exhilaration of performing live. The connection with the audience, the spontaneity, and the electric atmosphere are what make being on stage the ultimate experience for The Rolling Stones. Their live performances capture a spirit and intensity that no studio recording can fully replicate. It’s the unpredictability of each show, the raw energy exchanged between band and crowd, and the unfiltered emotions that create moments of pure magic. For Charlie, these live moments were not just performances—they were a celebration of music and life itself, pushing the band to give their absolute best every night. (Ref. Charlie Watts The Rolling Stones)
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