“Help yourself to a drink Dennis.”
My mate Ray and I were in the inner sanctum of the Rolling Stones dressing room on their last tour to Australia and Charlie Watts was as ever the cool, dapper and hospitable gentleman even in the maelstrom of preparing for the biggest rock and roll show on Earth.
I went to the fridge and it was filled with Evian Water – not so much as a light beer hidden in the back.
Things were a bit different to the 70’s and 80’s when I had been lucky enough to be backstage. Not much serenity in those days with the booze flowing and rather than incense, the aroma was somewhat “herbal.” But then Keith walked past drinking from a bottle of Moss Wood Chardonnay and I looked over to his area to find 2 cartons sitting there – great to know that some things don’t change.
Charlie was a great cricket fan as is Mick of course and we have caught up at various times around the world after first meeting on the 1972 Ashes tour.
Mick had been at The Oval during the fifth test with his father Joe who was a member of Surrey. I don’t know how much cricket he had watched before then but he later told me over a few drinks (well maybe “few” isn’t entirely accurate) that he was hooked on the game and watching me bowl reminded him of ballet. Now you must remember that this was before my back injury so my run up and action were a bit wild & woolly – I’m not sure what Mick had been drinking that day but I don’t think it was Evian.
And my favourite Stones song? Start Me Up – I know its only rock and roll but I like it!
Rest in peace Charlie
Cricket fans Charlie Watts with Mick Jagger at the 2019 World Cup final.
Bowling at The Oval in 1972 where I first met Charlie, Mick and the Rolling Stones - match figures of 10/181
Mick Jagger imbibing at the 5th test at The Oval in 1972
The Rolling Stones have always shared a great love of cricket
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