# 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'.
- Title: Brian Jones Letters Charlie Watts to Join Rolling Stones
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: brian jones, charlie watts, rolling stones, the rolling stones, Brian, Jones, Letters, Charlie, Watts, Join, Rolling, Stones
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/music/rock/brian-jones-letter-inviting-watts-join-rolling-stones-auction-1236369608
- Author: Gil Kaufman
- Published: 2026-10-28T17:18:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: brian jones, charlie watts, rolling stones, the rolling stones
## Unseen Letter from Brian Jones
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.
## Key takeaway

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.