A letter written by Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones to drummer Charlie Watts in 1962 is set to go under the hammer, providing a unique glimpse into the early days of one of music’s most iconic bands. The correspondence, which has remained unseen by the public for over six decades, is expected to attract considerable attention at Sotheby’s upcoming Rock & Pop sale slated for December.
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The letter, dated 3 June 1962, reveals Jones reaching out to Watts, who was playing with Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated at the time. In a bid to recruit Watts for his new band, Jones conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “If you are not going to work with Alex in the future, and still want to play R&B, we are looking for a good drummer.” The letter reflects the ambition and confidence of the young band, with Jones asserting, “Already we consider our band far better than Alex’s — we are getting a very tightly-knit sound.”
In a handwritten postscript, Jones elaborated on the band’s line-up, comprising two guitars, a harmonica, piano, and drums, while hinting at future plans to incorporate a bass guitar. He also candidly critiqued the band’s current drummer, noting, “Our present drummer is atrocious!” At that time, the Rolling Stones were in a phase of experimentation with various drummers, making it a pivotal moment in the band’s history.
Watts, who received the letter, ultimately took his time weighing the offer. Six months later, his decision came to fruition when he officially joined the Rolling Stones in January 1963. Watts remained a cornerstone of the band for an impressive 58 years, until his passing at the age of 80 in August 2021. His legacy, along with the group’s, is well-documented, and many fans today regard him as one of rock’s most profound drummers.
The upcoming auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors and fans alike to acquire a piece of music history. Sotheby’s has set a minimum bid of $70,000 for the letter, which is written on a sheet measuring approximately 4 ⅞ by 7 ¾ inches. The auction lot includes not just the letter itself but also the original envelope, dated to confirm when Jones sent the correspondence, thus establishing its authenticity.
In addition to this letter, the Rock & Pop sale is anticipated to feature a variety of memorabilia, including musical instruments, handwritten lyrics, outfits worn by band members, and original album artwork, further enriching the event’s appeal.
The auction is scheduled to begin on 2 December at 2 p.m. EST, running until 15 December, promising an exciting opportunity for music enthusiasts to engage with artefacts from one of the most revolutionary bands in rock and roll history.
As fans await the auction, the resurfacing of this letter serves as a reminder of the deep connections formed within bands and the significant moments that shape their journeys. The correspondence between Jones and Watts not only marks a pivotal recruitment plea but also encapsulates the spirit of a burgeoning band that would go on to influence generations and shape the landscape of music.