'Billy in the Wars' : An Interview With Bill Wyman

[@rainerwaansinn]

Bill is now 87 years old and I really can't imagine seeing him on stage as ROLLING STONE any more. My grandfather was 87 years old when he died in 1983. May Bill be given many more wonderful years.

[@hippydippy]

WOW! I know 60 year olds that look older than him.

[@jamesgilliam5278]

​@hippydippy he seems to have his mental faculties as well. I've seen many interviews with him and he's very well spoken.

[@liviabaggio1543]

He was the oldest member of the Stones, always seemed to be more level headed

[@axiomist4488]

They always hid his age during the early years so as not to upset the girls. Wouldnt have gone over very well if it got out that when they were in their eatly 20s, he was 31 (there used to be a saying among youngsters that "you shouldnt trust anyone over 30"). That was the demarcation line between kids and grown ups . I vividly remember the day Jagger turned 30 and buying Rolling Stone mag, where it asked the question "Is he not to be trusted anymore?"

[@jacobmassey3897]

​@@liviabaggio1543you'd think so but he wasn't. He got arrested for urinating in public along with Mick and Brian in 1964 😂

[@marclemonmusic]

It's great to hear Bill as a person after all these years, also.

[@derekstocker6661]

Absolute music legend.

[@besterstern666]

humble, big rock star and one of the best bass players ever. My deep respect Bill

[@MichaelSheffield-ox8yd]

He and Charlie supplied the patented wobble.

[@japfourme381]

A really nice, down to earth person, very interesting listening to him!! Listening to his experiences of when he was younger, I can honestly say his fame and fortune couldn’t have gone to a better, more deserving person!!

[@evansarzin6516]

Love his Back to Basics album of several years ago.

[@fevauk6121]

Yeah really nice man who grooms 13 year old girls ...

[@markstevens6568]

The unsung hero of the Rolling Stones - well done Bill what a star!

[@paulvon2378]

great bass player

[@timothy4557]

And 100,000 women.

[@HelenamariaRusso]

Hello Mr. Mark how are you doing 😊

[@SuperAnimelover100]

Bill Wyman looks and sounds great. I wish he still played bass with the Stones. Bill was a true friend with Brian Jones !

[@SuperAnimelover100]

@@encoreunefois1X I did hear that but wish Bill and Mick Taylor could play together for good. Ron Wood is ok but Mick Taylor is way better !

[@SuperAnimelover100]

@@encoreunefois1X Like I said, Ron is ok but I prefer Mick Taylor and wish Bill permanent. Opinions vary.

[@gvp999999]

@@SuperAnimelover100 Ron's a very good guitarist, but he had a hard act to follow in Taylor.

[@SuperAnimelover100]

@@gvp999999 So true. I loved Ron when he was with Rod Stewart. What a great team.

[@riensnijder5712]

​@@SuperAnimelover100hear hear😅

[@TimothylMcguire]

I always knew Bill Wyman was a good man.This interview just confirms that

[@jamespatrickmcinch2519]

😏

[@tristancarver734]

He seems to a have a genuine kindness about him. He's measured and considerate in his words. But that's of people like him, the rest of the band, because that's how the world was.

[@bobabooey4537]

Didnt he date a 13 yr old when he was 47? Is that the good man you are talking about?

[@stuartwaby3081]

​@@bobabooey4537Yes a Girl, Billy wasn't a poofter, a very good man.

[@jamespatrickmcinch2519]

@@bobabooey4537 Mandy Smith,Bill's a paedo.Up there with Jimmy Saville.A good .an right enough.😏

[@richardcox7926]

Bill Wyman, he went on to do very well for himself and the rest of the world . War goes on. Rolling Stones goes on. I was 12 in 1963. I am 72 now. 2023 the diamonds fall from the sky. Who would have ever thought. Thank you. I do wish Jimi Hendrix could have made it through life longer. And Brian Jones .

[@SuperAnimelover100]

Agreed with all you said.:)

[@RobretBertram]

rip Brain Jones, Jimmy Prendrix

[@SuperAnimelover100]

@@RobretBertram Brian Jones the real true leader of The Rolling Stones !! Jimi Pindrix ??????

[@Folkie44]

72 here, bro. Well stated.

[@elenikorkodelaki2695]

​@@SuperAnimelover100perhaps Jimi Hendrix???

[@gvp999999]

Bill was the inspiration for me getting a bass when I was a kid in the 70s, I even pulled the frets out to match him! Still got it now in 2023. Him and Brian are still my most favourite Stones.

[@lionizemusic1]

Brian is mine too

[@stephenclarke4675]

Me to, started playing bass after hearing Bill on i wana be your man. Brilliant .

[@michaelprice1216]

This is the stuff I want to hear from these guys, or rock guys in general. Great interview.

[@ronaldriis1023]

Anybody watching this interview who doesn’t know who he is would be blown away finding out that he was on stage with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. What a humble and extraordinary man!

[@SjBarty]

shame about Bill dating a 13 year old when he was 47 though ~ creepy

[@derekstocker6661]

Well done Bill great to see you on here, loved it when you were with the Rolling Stones and played that bass guitar, I recall someone once said to you "why don't you move when you are on stage". Apparently the answer you gave was "when Charlie moves so will I". Good luck for the future Bill and thanks so much for the sounds you have given to us!

[@johnr1348]

Bill Wyman is amazing!

[@not2bfound586]

I absolutely loved this. Yes, he’s a Rolling Stone, but even more so he is a human experiencing life. Thank you for sharing, Bill, wishing you all the best, cheers 🥂

[@adrianbrowne7874]

Incredible and sometimes painful memories, brilliantly recalled by Bill Wyman!!

[@adrianbrowne7874]

Yes really interesting interview! And thankyou!!

[@TheROLLER1953]

For me , Bill was the coolest stone , the way he stood there with the bass , the attitude, said a lot more than the dancing of mick, been a stones fan since the 60 's and when Bill left , the stones were never the same. My favourite line up was Jagger , Richard (s), wyman , jones , watts .

[@richardcox7926]

Yes, the first original 5.

[@TheROLLER1953]

@@richardcox7926 for sure , and the best , wasn't Bill's bass playing just sublime , 19th nervous breakdown and paint it black were just 2 where you could dig the Bill wyman bass sliding up and down , for my money , no better bass player EVER . thanks.

[@petermills542]

'Dandelion leaves' ?? 'LUXURY !! ' ( Python sketch 😂 )

[@TheROLLER1953]

@@petermills542 whatever you look at it , wyman was king,, he Got 5000 birds , or more , I think I Got half that,and I'm only a fan, was wyman the stones ? For sure , after that it was a bore.

[@Nansen1981]

He also married a 16 year old girl, Jeeze I was jealous.

[@robertwilliams8506]

Great interview ! Looking great Bill ! Love listening to all your stories about your youth and your days in the Rolling Stones. I m thankful that your grandmother impressed upon you the importance of keeping a diary and collecting ! Now we all get to enjoy the rich history that you so nicely articulate ! Thank you !

[@josephkephart9929]

this was one great interveiw ,,,,

[@HelenamariaRusso]

Hello Mr. Joseph how are you doing 😊

[@frank1672]

Mr Wyman do you remember 'Len Styles Music Shop' Lewisham and 'Franks South East London Entertainment' near Catford my old man bought me a handmade Grimshaw solid electric guitar and a Vox AC30 top boost the guitars long gone but I still use the amp today. I am 71 years young.

[@mariajosemj2758]

Very nice seeing and hearing interesting words, a legend!

[@paulog516]

To think that the man in this interview spent years in one of the most successful and famous rock bands of all times is amazing. He's so kind and obviously full of the riches of great wisdom that he shares so generously. There's no trace of the self- centered attitude and ego that many pop starts are foolish enough to indulge in. So "down to earth" and warm with a deep appreciation of family and fellow Brits who endured a horrible war. So much respect for Mr Wyman. Bless him.

[@Sparky3360]

Fantastic interview much respect to you Sir so down to earth and grounded

[@HelenamariaRusso]

Hello Mr. Martin how are you doing 😊

[@encoreunefois1X]

Excellent interview and what memory he has! I should receive my copy by tomorrow.

[@no.7593]

Wonderful, super guy and great musician.

[@harveydean7952]

Nice guy. Nice & noncey.

[@mikebarooshian7255]

@@harveydean7952if there’s no Bill Wyman there’s no Rolling Stones

[@tomcoryell]

Thank you Bill! Everyone needs to see and hear this. Love to you from a fellow human from across the pond. Thanks for all the great music as well!

[@ivangoldberger289]

The Rolling Stones for ever.

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

I still miss Bill in the Stones!

[@keithjackman8886]

I remember Bill so well from the times when Stu, with Bill on board their in their Bedford came to pick me up and going off to various gigs where I helped Stu unloading/loading amps, guitars, and drums etc and getting set up for their concerts.

[@daveglover6115]

"You only became afraid when you saw it your parents' eyes" What a humble admission of the times.

[@JamesKambouris]

Hi bii, your driving bass playing is thick and incontrovertible. I miss your playing. I know you were pivotal in stones recording. I'm 66 years age ,'and have enjoyed your playing so much. Best rock bass player of all time! That's a fact.! All my admiration ,James K.

[@keithclelland1636]

What a treasure listening to Bill Wyman speak about growing up during and after ww2. I've heard Eric burdon speak of it also.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

I'm a big fan of Eric Burdon. He is still performing.

[@keithclelland1636]

So am I ian

[@kennethhacker3014]

I soooo enjoy hearing stories from our elders especially a musician.they have so much wisdom to offer us ,thank you for this presentation.

[@zoltannemeth8864]

Thanks Bill for your music, one of the best blues/rock bassists that ever lived. You’ve seen a lot.

[@SS-qo4xe]

This was a surprise and a great pleasure. Guess I should go get the book. Thank you Billy

[@rodrigobortoloti2830]

Bill, greetings from Brazil. I'm a big fan of yours, thank you for everything you've provided for us, you're a great bass player. Long life.

[@SteveScott-l4j]

Loved his comments on London during the war and fond memories of his Nan. Took me back to my Nan. She used to wait for me at lunchtimes when I was doing my printing apprenticeship and I would run across the road to the record shop... There she was out the front of the Newspaper driveway. "Steve come on, I have got some fish and chips for your lunch." Ha ha. Love Bill and his precious memories. Yes I wlll buy this book.

[@jessewolf7649]

I met Bill on Sept. 6, 2001, 5 days before 9/11, at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square in NYC, while he was signing his Blues Book. Told him I saw him with The Boys on 07/01/66 on Atlantic City’s Steel Pier next to the Diving Horse! He told me that he remembered that date and venue. Total English Gentleman. And my former favorite bass player for still the World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.

[@Jay-nq2jl]

Great to hear about the war from someone who lived it. More to the man then the stones that’s for sure

[@logohigh1]

Wow , havnt seen Bill for a while ...good on yer

[@1rwjwith]

God bless BILL! I know what he’s talking about, my fathers family went through it in Liverpool during the war. It effected everyone .

[@johnlocke6506]

My grandfather was a Captain in the Cunard Line and did the Liverpool to Halifax, Nova Scotia run with evacuees on the voyage out and supplies on the return trip through an Atlantic that was infested with U Boats. My Mother grew up in Portsmouth which had the hell bombed out of it being a major naval port. I remember cycling to school in the 1960's passing bomb site after bomb site on the way.

[@1rwjwith]

@@johnlocke6506 yeah there was still bomb damage in Liverpool when I first visited with my family when I was 15 in 1968. My Grandmother lived there.

[@themountaingoat21]

What a great recounting of the war. The way he describes it is fascinating. What a well spoken man..

[@eastsussexbeesandwildlife5801]

Fantastic interview, what a gentleman, thank you.

[@artsahobby123]

I never heard about Bill's childhood before. I am in tears. I met him as a kid. There were some problems.. Take care.

[@eightinches3671]

You met him when he was a kid or when you were a kid?

[@artsahobby123]

@@eightinches3671 He is about a decade older than me. It was 1966. I was 15. Aftermath had just come out.

[@eightinches3671]

@@artsahobby123 My math says he's like 15 years older than you. If you were 15 in '66 then you were born in 1951. Bill was born in 1936. But who's counting? 🤩

[@artsahobby123]

@@eightinches3671 I think I must be missing your point.

[@Mikepleith]

Really interesting interview. Bill looks absolutely great. Like fine wine.

[@nathaliepennec5931]

Bill est toujours très intéressant à écouter et il est comme le bon vin. Encore merci de nous rappeler ton enfance et le rôle prépondérant de ta grand-mère.

[@jacquelinekohn2082]

I couldn’t help but think of all of the children who are suffering through wars in the world today. It’s heartbreaking. A lovely man, Bill Wyman. Always “The Stone Alone”, always a gentleman.

[@chrisclarke7828]

Most caused by religion too.

[@Bob-r9x7l]

Bill has always been the most interesting Stone to listen to in my humble opinion

[@andywells397]

Great human being. What a life he must have had.

[@WilliamPhelpsIII]

thw great Bill Wymam, a superb bassist,, a great Stone, an important historian, a classic Englishman

[@ElaineWood-f2t]

​@2v_5r84Her mother allowed it

[@truthseeker474]

England was fought very hard with many many lives lost. Don't lose England to others, who don't value your way of freedom & way of life and some who just sail in, so easily today. Great recall Mr Bill Rolling Stones.❤

[@chrisclarke7828]

And now Brits have given it away and its a Hindu/Muslim country.

[@timothy4557]

True; hope Muhammad's followers are listening and "learning."

[@InstantKarma1970]

A man who loves his country counts his blessings remembers the challenges his family his life - very grounded man left the Stones when most would cling on to a good thing

[@HMJohnsonGuitar]

Wow, beautiful interview!

[@axiomist4488]

Hey, Bill, great to see you. I remember sitting in Central Park in New York, when I was 19 (I"m now 76) reading this little paperback, a biography of the Stones (I was still learning to remember all you guy's names) and reading how your age was kept hidden from the fans (I think you were tagged as 24) because they didnt want the girls to know you were 31 years old . That put you above the age when you werent supposed to be trusted anymore (the age at which one was considered adult was 30 and one couldnt trust adults). I remember sitting there around 1 in the afternoon on a bench, reading that little book with total fascination. I was a huge fan from the first time I saw the Stones on the Red Skelton show on TV. The first time I heard you guys I stopped listening to the Beatles and didnt listen to them again until they came out with Rain and Paperback Writer . But the rhythm and riffs you guys put out beat the shit out of I Wanna Hold Your Hand . BTW, I always thought it was so cool the way you held the bass straight up . I thought maybe you learned playing on a stand up double bass . Now I figure it had to do with your small hands and it was easier to get your hands around the neck in that position. Best wishes to you, man. Thanks for all the great sounds .

[@ustheserfs]

bill wyman is a true gift to all us stones fans, he's the only one who can tell the story straight.

[@lisamartin3798]

You are my favorite rolling Stone my favorite bass player and you are just such a gentleman! You are an unsung hero and I just absolutely love you ! Rock on ❤

[@kenlandon7803]

He's always such a Humble, down to earth fellow. I'd get along great with him famously, whether he's a rock star or not. Its a pity today in the world, I don't think people care about each other, like he spoke about his neighbors in the war. Bless you, Bill

[@tiger100ss3]

Yes a really down to earth chap and I think the best stone!

[@jamesburbidge7056]

Beautiful interview

[@jaywalker3087]

Love ya Bill... Thanks so much for going for it !!

[@DavidMckendrick-yt4uk]

What a great interveiw & bloke.

[@jobsgarage]

What a nice chap.

[@marvinc9994]

Good old Bill - WHAT a life he's lived! And it just goes to show that you can assume _nothing_ about the Real Person behind his stage persona.

[@ovepayne]

I met Bill in a London bookshop were he was signing his book "Stone Alone". He was very nice to us and coming from Sweden we shared a few words in Swedish as well. Very fond memory indeed!

[@matthewmaguire3554]

Bill and Charlie most solid rhythm section ever and witness to it all.

[@pascaljeanne8002]

hey man , bill is avery good bass player , very original and powerful ! great bass lines ! and more than 80 ? great !

[@MDavidG1]

He's 87.

[@bertbecker7532]

He looks great, when was this filmed? I know he is a really intelligent and interesting person.

[@baronvonklik7159]

Wonderful, Bill!.

[@william1389]

Thank you, Bill!

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

Bill Wyman became my favorite Stone in 81 when he released Je Suis Rock un Star. Best summer of my life, and that song made it. His version of Stagger Lee is the Best.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Great interview. So glad I caught the Stones in 1975, when Bill was still with them. Classy guy!

[@bristleconepinus2378]

Godbless you Bill. I remember the ration books w/ my mam who was a dispatch rider for the British army.

[@hilliebruinsma8420]

Thank you for sharing Mr Bill Wyman will certainly buy this book so interesting story

[@sknight524]

You look and sound amazing. Bought your book for my brother. I miss hearing the wartime stories from my parents. Thanks for these memories. ❤

[@mackmaloney3776]

He's also an outstanding bass player. :)

[@davidlockley2635]

My favourite stone plus my favourite bass player

[@mickymillersson4376]

As a 17 year old in '63, Bill, to me, always looked the coolest Stone, just standing there playing the bass holding it almost upright.

[@tiger100ss3]

That’s exactly what I thought mick!

[@neilurquhart8622]

And chewing gum eh?

[@Pohleece222]

An amazing guy and fine musician. The Stones lost a pillar of their act when he retired. Glad to see he contributed to their latest album, “Hackney Diamonds”.

[@Senna-xi1gr]

True gentleman 👍🏆🏆🇬🇧

[@Senna-xi1gr]

@2v_5r84 rock n roll 🤣

[@brutus4013]

Love it. Cheers Bill.😎🥃

[@mickmorrissey16]

Bill Wyman, a great bloke.

[@Barbara-yj5tl]

Remember he had a relationship with a 13 yr old girl, he was in his FORTIES!! 😮😮😮

[@TheALan556]

Superb interview thanks for sharing ❤️

[@resoslideguitar]

Very humble man❤

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Always had so much respect for Bill as musician and a great guy.

[@αλεξανδροςραπτης-λ5ζ]

mister Cool shares his memories with us,an excellent person,thank you Bill

[@αλεξανδροςραπτης-λ5ζ]

@2v_5r84 even her mother was ok with this,and remember how she was then,looking like anything else but a13 years old girl,and they got rich with the divorce,but yes,it was a great fault from Bill,for me the gay and lesbian priests of the english church are far more annoying

[@sisuriffs]

Great interview! For the record, a lot of food and supplies that did get through was from Canada. A lot of Canadian sailors died getting it there during the years long Battle of the Atlantic.

[@brannonmcclure6970]

Bill moved in different time lines than other members. He was the oldest with a ten year difference.

[@mpista7182]

Bill is the best bass player the Stones ever had. I saw them in 1964. His bass lines complimented the music in every way

[@mokumhammer]

Thanks for that Bill

[@HelenamariaRusso]

Hello Mr. David how are you doing 😊

[@yellyman5483]

Who the fuck would have thought he is 87 years old. He looks at least 20-25 years younger. Bill will probably outlive the rest of the Rolling Stones. He is playing on the new Stones album, and i think he should re-join the Stones for their upcoming tour.

[@matthewmaguire3554]

Supposedly during the time of rationing in England it’s reported Keith existed on discarded cigarette butts and brick soup he’d cook over a zippo lighter an American GI gave him…Lighter in a drawer somewhere since he quit smoking.

[@yellyman5483]

@@matthewmaguire3554 Keith was two years old when the war ended. Did he start smoking as a toddler?

[@eleanorwalmsley635]

​@@yellyman5483rationing went on for longer then the war lasted. The war finished in 1945. Rationing finally finished in 1954

[@lancashirebomber9744]

i used to play a framus star bass because of bill. and any old recollections from england always bring a tear.

[@lynnglidewell7367]

Bill and Charlie always were the ones with their feet on the ground in The Stones. That's not to say they didn't have their moments of self indulgence but they always came back to their senses after a period. Bill has written several well received books. Mick uses Bill as a resource for things he can't remember I've heard him say. You can see why from this interview. Bill has a memory like an elephant. Good to see he's still resilient. I'm 71 and hope I'm still doing as well as Bill when I'm 87.

[@emmabluecaboose6898]

A long healthy happy life to Bill ✌️

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

What a beautiful Human, Great musician Great writer a true Icon Thanks for this.

[@ericwooden6938]

Mick and Keith may have been out front but you and Charlie are what made it, i was lucky too have seen him.on the last tour.

[@coordinacionmedicacidhome8053]

Que genio Bill. vigente a los 87. que bajista de la ptm. larga vida

[@daweshorizon]

Bill, so humble in his recollections; he talks about the important influences in his life, not about his own achievements. A gentle man. Love and peace.

[@MWL4466]

What a great guy !! He shaped the way i played bass hugely in my touring years. Thank you Bill for all the amazing music and inspiration. Cheers from Canada.

[@dreammachine2013]

Fascinating Interview! I love all of Bill's books, like Stone alone and his book on archeology "Treasure islands - Britain's history uncovered". I only wish I could find his book on Chagall, one of my favourite painters. Bill was a true friend of Brian and if I sm not mistaken he threatened to take Mick & Keith to court for falsifying history if they didn't add Brians name to theirs as the founding members of the Stones❤ Bill also wrote songs and riffs like Jumping Jack Flash without getting a credit duffering like Brian who wrote the music for Ruby Tuesday or Mivk Taylor with Time waits for No one, Sway and others he told me on air.

[@CDBC]

Actually, Stone Alone was the name of one of his albums, which I have. As well as a couple of his books, but I'll be adding to that. Can't help you on the Chagal, though. 😀

[@dreammachine2013]

"stone alone" Is Bill's first book which he wrote with Ray Coleman😅 Highly recommended!

[@CDBC]

@@dreammachine2013Ah yes, and it was a good read, but named after his 2nd solo album, released in 1976. So there! 😁

[@Leo-dr4qm]

Brilliant bill respect from Blackpool

[@tristancarver734]

The thing that comes to mind is Bill says the word 'like' and 'stuff' a few times. They've caught on from across the Atlantic. Those days of wartime in England remind me of my mum's childhood of everyone helping each other. There was genuine value in people, not how it eventually became, where many don't care, no trust. But l'm glad Bill's a fan of history and his accumulation of his Stones history is great. I long thought Bill and Charlie were the least into the full on rock star lifestyle. We know Charlie never fully liked it to.

[@atatterson6992]

It's "Mom", not "Mum". A Mum is a dead person wrapped in bandages... ;-)

[@atatterson6992]

Charlie couldn't be bothered with fame... but didn't mind the fortune.

[@tristancarver734]

@@atatterson6992 not unless you're from Australia, New Zealand and UK, because it's mum to us

[@johnmartin4650]

Thank you Mr W……God bless you and yours

[@alfonsosilva-u6q]

My favorite stone ! great interview

[@28train36]

What a great guy bill is really good interview fantastic.