Born 90 Years Ago Today in England, the Rock Legend Who Spent 30 Years With the Rolling Stones Before Walking Away
Bill Wyman, born in Lewisham, London, on 24 October 1936, was the Rolling Stones’ bassist from 1962 until he left the band in 1993. His steady playing featured on many of the group’s best-known songs, and his departure ended a 31-year run as the band’s global profile grew.
The eldest member when he joined at 25, Wyman first took up bass because his earlier group needed one. He also released solo records during his time with the Stones, including a 1981 top-20 UK single, and later formed the Rhythm Kings; his ninth solo album, *Drive My Car*, came out in August 2024. Wyman said in 2024 that he felt he should have left in the 1980s, before staying for the band’s 1989–90 tour run.
In short
- Bill Wyman played bass for the Rolling Stones for 31 years.
- He left in 1993, saying the decision was overdue.
- He continued releasing solo music and formed the Rhythm Kings.
Explained simply
Bill Wyman was the Rolling Stones’ bass player for 31 years, joining the London band in 1962 as it began to find wider success. The bass helps provide the low notes and steady rhythm in a band, supporting the singing and other instruments.
The Stones became one of the world’s best-known rock groups, with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards among its central members. Wyman also made solo records while in the band, then left in 1993 and later played with his own group, the Rhythm Kings.
His long time with the Stones means his playing is part of many of their familiar recordings. His departure also marked a change in the group’s line-up after decades of touring and recording together.