Bill Wyman

Biography

Born William Perks, Bill Wyman was the anchor of The Rolling Stones' rhythm section from 1962 to 1993. [1, 2] Inspired by the walking bass style of Willie Dixon, his playing was economical and intuitive, providing a foundational counterpoint to the band's dual-guitar attack. [1, 18] Often utilizing a self-modified fretless bass, Wyman's parts were defined by their reactive and malleable nature, prioritizing the song's overall structure over intricate lines. [13, 14] Following his tenure with the Stones, he formed Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings in 1997, a fluctuating ensemble dedicated to exploring blues and R&B roots music. [3, 9]