Rolling clone
Stones’ new drummer Steve ‘just like Charlie’
YOU can keep Keith’s flamboyance and Mick’s showmanship… the beating heart of the Rolling Stones was relaxed and reliable drumming legend Charlie Watts.
The band’s ‘82 tour photographer Denis O’regan, 67, said Charlie was like the father of the close-knit group.
He said: “He had a very dry sense of humour and was down-to-earth. [His bandmates] really respected that.
“He’d observe, sit in the corner doing his own thing. But when you chatted to him, that sense of humour came out.”
In later years, Denis would often bump into Charlie in Italian restaurants. Of his death, Denis said: “It’s really sad. He was so lovely.” See more of Denis’ work at denis.uk.
THE drummer who will keep the Stones rolling on their US tour is a devoted family man, just like Charlie Watts.
Steve Jordan’s sister said he is a lot like the late, great Charlie, who died last week at the age of 80.
Glenda, 59, said: “Steve has been married for a very long time. I would say his background is similar to Charlie’s.
“He has always been deeply family orientated and has never forgotten where he came from, despite all his success.
“He has long-standing relationships even now with the people he grew up with, and he is always very supportive of people he has known for years. You can always count on him.”
Steve, 64, will join Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards on the Rolling Stones’ 13-date No Filter tour in the US, which starts next month.
The Grammy award-winner is a close pal of Keith’s and has played in bands on TV shows such as Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman.
He also toured with The Blues Brothers and Eric Clapton.
In the ‘80s, Steve teamed up with guitarist Keith to perform in his side project, The X-pensive Winos.
He is also part of The Verbs alongside wife Meegan Voss and has recorded with the likes of Bob Dylan, BB King, Neil Young, Bruno Mars and Beyoncé.
Glenda said: “Steve loves all music.
Like Charlie, he plays different kinds, like rock ’n’ roll and jazz. He has known the Stones for years and he and Keith have a long-standing relationship.
“He did co-write and co-produce an album with Keith back in the ‘80s.”
Glenda, who spoke to Steve shortly after Charlie’s death, told how he “felt so awful for everyone concerned”.
But she said: “I can hardly imagine how busy he is now. He has to prepare for the tour which is a huge thing.”
Glenda, who lives in Yorktown Heights, New York, said she would “love to” see her brother on stage with the Rolling Stones in the States.
And she added: “I am very proud of him. I am sure he will do a good job and a respectful job for them.”