The Rolling Stones’ Early Drummer Hunt: Why Mick Avory Was Not Chosen

The formation of iconic rock bands often hinges on finding the right mix of personalities and talents, which is particularly true for The Rolling Stones in the early 1960s. Before the band secured its classic lineup, the group considered various musicians to fill key roles, one of which was drummer Mick Avory. Though an accomplished musician in his own right, Avory was found lacking by the Stones during an early audition process.

The early iteration of The Rolling Stones shared a similar dynamic to The Beatles, suggesting an ensemble where each member’s contribution was integral to its success. While The Beatles revolved around the genius of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, The Stones’ potential lineup also required synergy and chemistry. According to band member Keith Richards, Avory did not possess the right feel that the band was seeking, particularly when it came to their blues-driven style.

Richards notably remarked on the pivotal audition where Avory’s talent was assessed: “We were rehearsing drummers. Mick Avory came by, the drummer of the Kinks. He was terrible, then. Couldn’t find that off beat. Couldn’t pick up on that Jimmy Reed stuff.” Such expectations were crucial, as The Stones were committed to emulating their blues heroes, including the raw sounds of Muddy Waters, a cornerstone of their musical identity.

Ultimately, The Rolling Stones chose Charlie Watts whose jazz influences and rhythmic precision proved to be a transformative force for the band. Watts himself, despite initially lacking deep blues knowledge, knew how to fuse jazz techniques into rock, contributing to the unique sound of hits like “Satisfaction.” He provided a stable yet dynamic backbone to the music, something Avory perhaps could not have achieved within the group’s framework.

Mick Avory’s rejection, however, turned out to be fortuitous for all involved. While The Rolling Stones thrived with Watts, Avory found success with The Kinks. His mastery over various styles was evidenced in tracks like “Waterloo Sunset,” underscoring the notion that while he may not have been suitable for The Stones, he certainly left his mark in rock history.