Rolling Stones Next Step Should Be Retirement

With the passing of drummer Charlie Watts, The Rolling Stones should draw the curtain on their career.  The only backbeat the 'Stones have ever known passed away August 23rd.

Mick, Keith, and Ronnie Wood have accomplished more than arguably any other band in the world, and out of respect for their long time friend and original drummer, should retire as a touring group.  There is an album of new material due out next year, which Watts played on.  Let that album stand as the last statement by the band.

The Rolling Stones should follow the lead of the greatest bands before them, and not compromise the sound of the band, or the legacy of Charlie Watts, by announcing the end of the band.  It would be asinine to suggest that they have anything to lose by continuing without one of their founding members.  It's only a move born of respect.  Like Led Zeppelin before them, I hope they recognize the contribution of Watts to the sound and energy of the band, and lay to rest that sound that brought rock and roll from it's infancy into the present.

Few bands have rebounded from the tragic departure of their signature sound.  And some that tried left a smudge on their legacy.  AC/DC rose from the ashes and climbed to greater heights after their heart and soul singer Bon Scott died.  The Who, however, never quite found their place after the madman drummer Keith Moon passed away.

The Stones have nothing left to prove.  They are the greatest band that ever laced up shoes and walked on stage.  To continue to do so now, after the passing of their longtime friend and bandmate, would be somehow less than.  I hope they get together soon, and show the world one last time how to be the greatest rock band ever, by saying goodbye.

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