Even though the Beatles may be the most well-known band in the world, the Rolling Stones are still the best when it comes to simple, brutal, bluesy rock ‘n’ roll.
The Rolling Stones have had additional members throughout the years, including ill-fated guitarist Brian Jones and keyboardist Ian Stewart.
But perhaps the most well-known ex-member is Bill Wyman, the band’s original bassist, who quit in 1993 after spending three decades with them, according to the BBC. Why did Wyman leave the Rolling Stones, such a popular band, and where is he now?
What Happened To Bill Wyman? Reason Behind Leaving The Rolling Stones
After facing a lot of strain, Bill Wyman quit the “Rolling Stones” band. Plus, he left the rock star life because he decided it was too stressful and that he wanted to live a tranquil existence instead.
Prior to their popularity and during their peak, Wyman first joined The Rolling Stones in 1962. But in 1992, he startled everyone by announcing his departure from the band.
Given that he was a member of the initial lineup, people were shocked to hear about his announcement at the time. He made a public announcement of leaving in 1993, and touring bassist Darryl Jones took his place.
Later, in 2012, Wyman sang two songs with the group. In the 1980s, he also enjoyed modest solo success in the UK with the singles Je Suis Un Rock Star and A New Fashion.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, he still has no regrets about his choice. On both personal and professional grounds, it is obvious that leaving behind a band as successful as the Stones is not an easy decision.
Bill Wyman Married To Wife Suzanne Accosta
Wyman married his current wife, Suzanne Accosta, in 1993, and the two are parents to three daughters.
However, the former guitarist was married twice before he wed Suzanne. In 1959, he hitched his first wife, Diane Cory, and on March 29, 1962, their son, Stephen Paul Wyman, was born.
They parted ways in 1967 and got divorced in 1969.
Then, on June 2, 1989, he controversially wedded Mandy Smith, who was then 18 and he was 52. After being married for only two years, the couple divorced each other after another two years.
Where Is Bill Wyman Today? His Whereabouts
Bill Wyman, who is now in his 80s and no longer plays bass for the Rolling Stones, has evolved since he left the band in the middle of the 1990s.
He has created, produced, and performed his own music with the band Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings.
‘The History of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings’, the group’s most recent CD, was released in 2017, according to All Music.
In addition to being a musician, he is also an author who has written numerous books and memoirs during his time as a founding member of the Rolling Stones.
Similarly, the books include “Stone Alone” in 1997, “Rolling with the Stones” in 2002, and “Bill Wyman’s Treasure Islands” in 2005, among others (via Celebrity Net Worth).