From Billboard · Gil Kaufman · · 1m 10s
Brian Jones Letters Charlie Watts to Join Rolling Stones
Brian Jones wrote Charlie Watts in 1962 to join The Rolling Stones, calling his current drummer 'atrocious'.
In brief
Brian Jones wrote Charlie Watts in 1962 to join The Rolling Stones, calling his current drummer 'atrocious'. Brian Jones invited Charlie Watts to join The Rolling Stones in 1962, stating their current drummer was 'atrocious' and they would starve to afford him. Originally reported by Billboard.
Unseen Letter from Brian Jones
![The Rolling Stones [L-toR] Charlie Watts, Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Bill Wyman.](https://www.billboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1328931941-e1793204454448.jpg?w=942&h=628&crop=1)
A previously unseen handwritten letter from Brian Jones invites Charlie Watts to join The Rolling Stones.
“Dear Charlie, if you consider this letter rather impertinent, please excuse me...”
Letter Written in June 1962
Jones wrote the letter in June 1962 before the band adopted their name and their first performance.
Jones Calls Current Drummer 'Atrocious'
Jones stated their current drummer was 'atrocious' and they needed a better drummer for their band.
“Our current drummer is atrocious!”
Watts Joined After Seven Months
Watts officially joined The Rolling Stones in January 1963, seven months after Jones wrote the letter.
Band Starved to Afford Watts
The band cut down their food rations and shoplifted to afford Charlie Watts.
“We starved ourselves to pay for him! Literally. We went shoplifting to get Charlie Watts.”
Auction Details for Letter
The letter and envelope will auction at Sotheby’s New York on Dec. 15 with an initial estimate of $70,000-$80,000.
The essence
Brian Jones invited Charlie Watts to join The Rolling Stones in 1962, stating their current drummer was 'atrocious' and they would starve to afford him.
