Steel Wheels wrote on Nov 26
th, 2012 at 6:32pm:
That's fine. I don't want to highjack the thread, but show me one website, a messageboard thread, articles, etc. that pine for Bill Wyman. His leaving didn't effect record sales, ticket sales, or anything since he left. Nobody is raving about Bill's appearance the way they are for Taylor's - and Bill is one of the original members. When Voodoo Lounge, Bridges, and Bigger Bang were released nobody said "I wish Bill was on this album." People don't turn down the chance to see the Stones because of Bill not being in the band. Look at the view counts for dedicated Bill threads over the years. People really don't care outside of die hards.
With that said, the US fans and the world wide pay per view customers deserve to see Bill. He's not doing anything that he can't cancel or postpone. He's a musician and he needs to play at all the gigs.
Brian jones death, Taylor joining leaving, ronnie joining, Wyman leaving... none of these ruined the sales, very true... but I listen to the music, live shows and studio albums. I really hear a huge difference from Bill, especially when the band rebounded in the late 70's... His playing on some Girls is awesome, and that record wouldn't be the same without him. I don't listen to music and decide how much I like it, based on how much it sold or I hope it sells... same with a concert... People don't care about anyone in the band outside of Jagger more the most part if you take those who follow pop culture and entertainment news... These same folks don't get hard ons and dance around the house listening to Midnight Rambler... I'm just sayin'!!!