BILL WYMAN: New Album Drive My Car Out Early August
Bill Wyman announces the release of his ninth solo album, ‘Drive My Car,’ set for 9th August. This album marks Wyman’s first release since 2015, blending his unique Anglo-Americana rhythm and blues style. ‘Drive My Car’ will be available in digital format, CD, and gatefold vinyl, with the CD and digital formats including two bonus tracks.
Along with the announcement, Wyman has unveiled a video for the album’s title track, ‘Drive My Car.’
LISTEN TO ‘DRIVE MY CAR’ HERE
WATCH ‘DRIVE MY CAR’ VIDEO HERE
As a founding member and rhythm architect of The Rolling Stones, Bill Wyman is a household name, celebrated by fans and peers alike. With a career spanning over six decades, Wyman returns with a new collection of songs that highlight his enduring talent. Five tracks, including the title track, are self-penned, showcasing Wyman’s songwriting prowess. “It’s not something I do every day, but sometimes I just see a guitar in the corner of the room, pick it up to play around and then something clicks into place,” he explains.
‘Drive My Car’ was recorded at Wyman’s home studio and features a group of long-time collaborators, including guitarist Terry Taylor and drummer Paul Beavis. “A bass player and a drummer are a team, you’re the rhythm section, the foundation of the whole thing,” Wyman emphasizes. The album opens with a unique rendition of Bob Dylan’s ‘Thunder On The Mountain,’ combining elements from Dylan’s original and Wanda Jackson’s lively cover. “I’ve known Bob since the mid-‘60s,” says Wyman. “He used to take me and Brian Jones round the Greenwich Village clubs whenever we were in New York. We were very good friends for a while, he was a really nice guy.”
Another highlight is a gritty cover of Taj Mahal’s ‘Light Rain.’ Wyman recalls their long-standing friendship, which began in 1968 when Taj was invited to join The Stones Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus TV special. “He was fascinated that I was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society – we bonded over botany!” he fondly remembers.
Wyman’s lifelong love of country music is evident in his poignant tribute to John Prine, featuring a cover of ‘Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody.’ “We were very great friends, and the Rhythm Kings did a few of his tracks. What a lyricist! I love that line in ‘Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody’ about ‘Little Richard singing Tutti Frutti from the top of a telephone pole’ – I mean, who writes like that?!”
In addition to honouring old friends, Wyman introduces listeners to new talents like Dutch guitarist Hans Theessink, whose work inspired two tracks on the album. Despite never meeting in person, Wyman admires Hans’ fresh take on blues music. “I find his stuff really inspiring; he brings something new to the blues.”
Bill Wyman had a busy 2023, both reflecting on the past and planning for the future. As the oldest of the Rolling Stones (“they all talk about the war, but none of them remember it like I do!”), Wyman mined his memories for vivid anecdotes of his wartime childhood and published them in his book, Billy In The Wars. Simultaneously, he was recording the songs for ‘Drive My Car.’
Reflecting on the album’s sound, Wyman cites JJ Cale as a major influence. “I think the biggest influence on the album as a whole is JJ Cale, his laidback groove has always appealed to me. Friends I’ve played it to have said things like ‘it really sounds like you,’ and that makes me happy. I’ve never tried to be anyone else – I’m Bill, basically.”
‘Drive My Car’ represents a new and energized chapter in Bill’s storied career, a testament to his unwavering passion and the lifelong joy he finds in creating music.
Tracklisting:
- Thunder On The Mountain (Bob Dylan)
- Drive My Car (Bill Wyman)
- Bad News (Bill Wyman)
- Storm Warning (Hans Theessink)
- Light Rain (Taj Mahal)
- Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody (John E. Prine)
- Rough Cut Diamond (Bill Wyman/Terry Taylor)
- Wings (Hans Theessink)
- Two Tone Car (Chuck E. Weiss)
- Fools Gold (Lloyd Jones)
CD/Digital Bonus Tracks:
- Sweet Baby (Bill Wyman/Frank Stokes)
- Tell You A Secret (Bill Wyman/Terry Taylor)
This is set to be a fantastic release and we at Counteract can not wait to sink our teeth into these bangers.
