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Rolling Stones quotes: Charlie Watts on The Rolling Stones then and now (2000)
“We tour very well now – first class and Rolls-Royces, and that’s the only way to do it. Those first years were valuable times, though, because that’s how you became a working band. And we still are. There’s bigger gaps between work, but we’re still a working band.”
By 2000, Charlie Watts looked back on The Rolling Stones’ career with the calm of a seasoned drummer who’d seen it all. “We tour very well now…,” he said, capturing the contrast between the band’s early grind and their current luxury. In the beginning, every show, every rehearsal, every odd gig was a lesson in endurance and professionalism. Those raw, relentless early years forged the Stones into the working band they became, teaching them discipline, cohesion, and the drive needed to survive the chaotic 1960s music scene. The hustle shaped their identity, turning them from scrappy London teenagers into global icons. Even decades later, that foundation remained: the band was still working, still performing, and still driven by the same dedication that had carried them through every tour and studio session.
Still a Working Band
Watts acknowledged that while the gaps between tours and albums had grown, the essence of the Stones’ work ethic never changed. They weren’t just resting on legacy or nostalgia; they were actively crafting experiences for fans worldwide. Touring first class wasn’t about indulgence—it was about performing at a level that honored both their craft and their audience. In his reflection, Watts highlighted a truth at the heart of The Rolling Stones: success may bring comfort, but the commitment to being a working band—writing, recording, and performing—remains the backbone of their enduring legacy. From cramped early venues to stadiums filled with millions, the Stones’ identity as a relentless, hardworking band has never faded.
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