Charlie Watts to Miss Rolling Stones’ Fall 2021 ‘No Filter’ Tour Dates, Steve Jordan to Fill in on Drums

This fall, The Rolling Stones will resume their anticipated No Filter U.S. tour dates, but a familiar face will not be participating: Charlie Watts.

Watts and the band made the announcement late Wednesday, citing a recent medical procedure underwent by the 80-year-old drummer and the subsequent rest and recuperation needed. In a statement, Watts maintained that he didn’t want to be the reason for another tour postponement:

A spokesman for Charlie Watts has confirmed that the Rolling Stones drummer is unlikely to be available for the resumption of the Rolling Stones USA No Filter tour this fall.

The spokesman said: “Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful, but I gather his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation. With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say no one saw this coming.”

Added Watts:

“For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of experts that this will take a while. After all the fans’ suffering caused by COVID I really do not want the many fans who have been holding tickets to this Tour to be disappointed by another postponement or cancellation. I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me.”

Said Jordan:

“It is an absolute honour and privilege to be Charlie’s understudy and I am looking forward to rehearsing with Mick, Keith and Ronnie. No one will be happier than me to give up my seat on the drum-riser as soon as Charlie tells me his good to go.” 

We’re sure you’ll all join us in wishing Charlie a speedy recovery.

All 2021 tour dates will go ahead as planned. pic.twitter.com/8OgOIEwHWq

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 5, 2021

Steve Jordan has been affiliated with the Stones for years. He’s played drums on each of Richard’s three solo albums, is an Emmy-winning musical director with a background including stints in the bands on Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman.

In light of the news of Watts taking a breather from the upcoming dates, his band mates shared their well-wishes:

https://twitter.com/MickJagger/status/1423162826491842562

This has been a bit of a blow to all of us, to say the least and we're all wishing for Charlie to have a speedy recovery and to see him as soon as possible.  Thank you to Steve Jordan for joining us in the meantime. https://t.co/dJbo8D2hRW

— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) August 5, 2021

A note on Charlie🥁❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/TrIEQomnOT

— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) August 5, 2021

Best wishes on a speedy and healthy recovery, Charlie Watts!

The Rolling Stones’ No Filter U.S. tour dates:

SEPTEMBER 2021
26 – The Dome – ST. LOUIS, MO
30 – Bank of America Stadium – CHARLOTTE, NC

OCTOBER 2021

04 – Heinz Field – PITTSBURGH, PA
09 – Nissan Stadium – NASHVILLE, TN
13 – New Orleans Jazz Fest – NEW ORLEANS, LA – NEW
17 – SoFi Stadium – LOS ANGELES, CA – NEW
24 – U.S. Bank Stadium – MINNEAPOLIS, MN
29 – Raymond James Stadium – TAMPA, FL

NOVEMBER 2021

02 – Cotton Bowl – DALLAS, TX
06 – Allegiant Stadium – LAS VEGAS, NV – NEW
11 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium ATLANTA, GA
15 – Ford Field DETROIT, MI
20 – Circuit of the Americas AUSTIN, TX