It's been a big week for the Rolling Stones, news wise that is. First, reports emerged that there has been new interest from police in the death of guitarist Brian Jones, in this, the fortieth anniversary of the year of this death.
In July 1969, Jones was found dead at the bottom of his private swimming pool in Sussex, at the age of 27. Over the years, fans have suggested that Jones was murdered, though at the time, his death was recorded as 'death by misadventure', as a coroner ruled that he drowned while under the influence of alcohol. Now local officials are reviewing the investigation, following the receipt of over 600 documents relating to the case from an investigative journalist. They say the papers 'will be examined by the force, but it's too early to comment at this time as to what the outcome might be'.
Meanwhile, undercover.com.au was busily reporting that drummer Charlie Watts had quit the Rolling Stones, and would 'never record of tour with the band again'. The Australian music website quote a source as saying 'The Stones are looking to Keith's Expensive Winos drummer Charlie Drayton to fill the void in all future Stones' callings'. Though it's true that Watts was reluctant to join the Stones on their A Bigger Bang tour, a spokesperson for the band now denies that there was any truth to the report.
And, Keith Richards has been working with Jack White, fuelling speculation the White Stripes frontman will produce The Rolling Stones' next album. Richards spoke to his namesake magazine Rolling Stone, and admitted that he enjoyed working with White, and that they had 'done a couple of tracks. When asked if White will produce for the band, he said simply 'I couldn’t fuel that rumor any more than to say Jack and I are in touch'. Richards is also currently working on his autobiography, and is 'trying to remember things, which is very difficult'. Gee, I wonder why?