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Rolling Stones Quotes: Mick Jagger on a new bass player for the Rolling Stones (1992)
“We don’t need a permanent bass player. We want someone for the next project, which will be making an album and going on a tour, probably. After that, I’m not guaranteeing he’s going to work for the next 25 years (laughs) More like the next two years. The resumes are definitely coming now. It’s going to be quite difficult ’cause how do you know? They’re all going to be good people and it’s not a position which requires the finest technical brilliance….
…You have to play, but playing bass with the Rolling Stones is not a virtuoso show. So it’s going to be kind of hard, but ultimately I think it will result in a much more kicking rhythm section. But it will be different and it won’t be easy to replace someone who’s been playing in the rhythm section with Charlie and Keith for a very long time. I’m not underestimating Bill nor underestimating the fact that it’s going to be slightly different. But I think you’ve got to make a virtue out of these things.”
In 1992, Mick Jagger shared some insightful thoughts on the Rolling Stones’ search for a new bass player after Bill Wyman’s departure. Apparently, the band was not on the hunt for a permanent member, just someone to help them out for their next project—which, of course, involved recording an album and maybe a little tour.
Mick casually pointed out that while they weren’t looking for a bassist who’d stick around for the next 25 years, they were probably looking for someone who’d be around for, oh, maybe two. How reassuring!
As you’d imagine, there was no shortage of resumes flooding in from bassists eager to join one of the biggest rock bands in history. Jagger, ever the diplomat, acknowledged the challenge of choosing the right one, given the sheer volume of talent. But here’s the kicker—while technical skills were important, they weren’t the only thing that mattered.
Apparently, being a musical genius wasn’t enough to land the gig. What the Stones were really after was a good fit for the band… whatever that means.
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