Charlie Watts Blasts Beatles and Elvis

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Charlie Watts Blasts Beatles and Elvis - Spinner UK

What's up with the Rolling Stones? As they fast approach the anniversary of their half century of playing together, guitarist Keith Richards recently hopped on the wagon after decades of pummeling his body and now drummer Charlie Watts has told an Austrian newspaper that he's always hated the music of Elvis Presley and 60s rival the Beatles.

The drummer, who is currently playing a series of concerts in Austria with blues-jazz ensemble The ABC&D of Boogie Woogie (named after the musicians in the band - pianists Axel Zwingenberger and Ben Waters, drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Dave Green), said, "I've never been a big Beatles fan.

"Of Ringo, yes, but not of the music. And I've always hated Elvis. He was the last one I wanted to use as a guide. Miles Davis and Fats Domino, yes, but Elvis, no."

The legendarily non-plussed Watts also said the he wouldn't be bothered if the Stones stopped rolling. "Honestly, I couldn't care less if it were over."

He added, "Jazz is my passion. This is the music that I really want to do. The Stones are merely an annoying pastime."

However, the Austrian tour's promoter, Willi Turk, was adamant that the Rolling Stones would be back in action soon.

He said, "The ABC & D concerts are only possible because the Stones are just taking a break. But when Mick Jagger calls, Charlie is ready. "
 

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Interesting to see that even though he doesn't care for the Beatles, he still likes Ringo.

Even more interesting that he doesn't even care about the Rolling Stones any more.

Him and his damn jazz group.
 

Death on Credit

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What I find more alarming is that whoever wrote the article seems to take issue with Keef giving up booze.

The Stones have always been known for self-loathing when it comes to rock 'n roll. Kind of strange, huh?
 

METALPRIEST

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Funny. I own more Beatles music than Stones music.

I would think alot of the world does too. I like Charlie, but this sounds like sour grapes to me.

:grinthumb
 

LG

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I find that whole thing amusing, when they played here in the late 90's Charlie got the loudest ovation of any of the band, and he loved it...I think he is downplaying things as far as touring, there is no doubt he is probably sick of playing the same songs for over 40 years, but as long as the fans show up and the money train keeps rolling in I don't see him retiring to play jazz full time.

I have always liked the Beatles more than the Stones, it has nothing to do with image or any of that, it is simply about the quality of the music they left us. When I am partying with some rowdy friends, then the Stones are great, when the girls were over Abbey Road was one of the favorites we listened to.
 

Mr. Shadow

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I can't image the pressure to "be like the Beatles" It must have quickly gotten old.

That said:



The Rolling Stones certainly were friends with John and Paul.

* Mick Jagger- lead vocals, backing vocals, moog synthesizer, percussion
* Brian Jones - brass, mellotron, percussion, organ, flute, recorder, electric dulcimer, saxophone, concert harp, guitar, backing vocals
* Keith Richards - guitars, backing vocals
* Charlie Watts - drums, percussion, tablas
* Bill Wyman — bass, percussion, backing vocals, lead vocals on "In Another Land"

Additional personnel

* Nicky Hopkins - piano, harpsichord, organ, mellotron
* John Paul Jones — string arrangement on "She's a Rainbow"
* Eddie Kramer — percussion
* Ronnie Lane — backing vocals on "In Another Land"
* Steve Marriott — backing vocals and acoustic guitar on "In Another Land"
* John Lennon — vocals on "Sing This All Together"
* Paul McCartney — vocals on "Sing This All Together"
* Anita Pallenberg — vocals
* Ian Stewart — organ
* Uncredited musicians — strings and brass
 

AboutAGirl

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I'm with him about Elvis. Not quite so much with The Beatles. Good for him for not following the same old... Elvis & The Beatles are somebody's biggest influences then that is quite good but sometimes it seems like people rep them just to rep them, ya know?
 

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