“she Had Scratches on the Side of Her Face. I Said, ‘what Happened?’ She Said, ‘oh Nothing, Keith Threw the Cat at Me’”: Bill Wyman on Jimi Hendrix…

The Heartbeat of The Rolling Stones: A Conversation with Bill Wyman

Bill Wyman, the former bassist of one of rock’s most iconic bands, The Rolling Stones, has shared several fascinating stories about his time in the band and beyond. These anecdotes provide a glimpse into the lives of legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon, and Mick Jagger.

Meeting Jimi Hendrix

In 1966, Wyman first encountered Jimi Hendrix at a club in Queens, New York. At that time, Hendrix was known as Jimmy James, but his talent was already apparent. “He did things the average person wasn’t doing,” Wyman recalled, mentioning Hendrix’s unconventional playing style and stunts like setting his guitar on fire during performances. Wyman advised The Animals to sign Hendrix after returning from America, which ultimately led to Hendrix joining them.

Keith Moon: A Man of Contrasts

Wyman’s friendship with Keith Moon, drummer of The Who, was marked by both admiration and frustration. “He could be really sweet and lovely,” Wyman said of Moon, noting his intelligence and wit. However, Moon’s dark side also emerged frequently. “The doctor would come round and give him so much bloody stuff,” Wyman remembered, describing how Moon would take a combination of Valium, sleeping pills, wake-up pills, and speed. One particularly memorable incident involved an argument with Annette Walter-Lax, where Wyman found blood marks on her face—marks she explained away by saying Keith had “thrown the cat at me.” This anecdote highlights both the danger and eccentricity that came with being around Moon.

Mick Jagger: A Bitter Sweet Farewell

Wyman’s departure from The Rolling Stones in 1993 was a challenging time. He described Mick Jagger’s reaction as “brutal,” with the band leader expressing doubts and even suggesting he could play bass himself. “He’d say things like: ‘Oh well, if anybody has to play bass I’ll do it. It can’t be that hard,’” Wyman quoted Jagger. Despite this, Wyman remained in touch with his former bandmates, exchanging gifts and maintaining a cordial relationship.

Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings

After leaving The Rolling Stones, Wyman founded Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings in 1997, bringing together a talented roster that included Albert Lee, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Georgie Fame. His project allowed him to collaborate with other renowned musicians like Peter Frampton and Paul Rodgers. “I helped get him into the studio for the first time,” Wyman said of Frampton, illustrating his continued influence in the music industry.

Wyman’s reflections on these legendary figures offer a unique perspective on the rock scene of the 1960s and beyond. His stories provide insights not only into the personal lives of iconic musicians but also into the dynamics within one of the most successful bands in history.