**Guitarist Darryl Jones Parts Ways with The Rolling Stones After Decades of Service**
In a surprising turn of events, Darryl Jones, the esteemed bassist who has been an integral part of The Rolling Stones’ sound for over three decades, has parted ways with the legendary rock band. Jones, who began touring with the group in 1993, officially left the band in 2024, ending a partnership that helped sustain the iconic band through numerous tours and projects. The split, according to insiders, was amicable but rooted in creative differences and a desire for Jones to pursue his own musical endeavors.
### A Legacy with The Stones
Darryl Jones’ journey with The Rolling Stones began when he was recruited to replace original bassist Bill Wyman after Wyman’s retirement in 1993. Jones, a seasoned session player with a resume that included work with Miles Davis, Sting, and Madonna, brought a wealth of experience and versatility to the band. His technical expertise and ability to seamlessly adapt to The Stones’ signature blues-infused rock made him a natural fit.
Despite not being a formal member of the band—unlike Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood—Jones became a vital part of the band’s live performances. Over the years, he toured with the band extensively, playing on some of their most memorable live albums and DVDs, including *Bridges to Babylon* and *No Security*. His steady presence on stage contributed to the longevity of the group’s live performances as they continued to tour well into their seventies.
### Reasons for the Departure
While the official reason for Jones’ departure has not been formally stated by the band or Jones himself, industry insiders suggest that the split was due to a mixture of creative differences and Jones’ desire to embark on new musical adventures. According to sources close to Jones, he had expressed a growing interest in returning to jazz, a genre where he first honed his skills and gained international recognition.
A source said, “Darryl’s been a rock solid part of the Stones for years, but there’s always been a part of him that longed to get back to his roots. The opportunity for more creative freedom has been something he’s wanted to explore for a while now.”
In recent years, Jones has hinted at wanting to record his own music and collaborate with other artists outside the rock genre. His departure from The Stones may allow him the time and freedom to finally pursue these projects, which were often delayed by The Rolling Stones’ relentless touring schedule.
### Mutual Respect
Though Jones’ departure marks the end of an era, both he and the band have expressed nothing but mutual respect. A spokesperson for The Rolling Stones said, “Darryl has been a crucial part of our touring band for many years, and we thank him for his immense contribution to our sound and live shows. We wish him all the best in his future projects.”
Keith Richards, the iconic guitarist of The Rolling Stones, also paid tribute to Jones during a recent interview, stating, “Darryl’s been with us for a hell of a long time. He’s one of the best out there. It’s always sad when you have to say goodbye, but we all understand he’s got to follow his heart.”
Jones, for his part, expressed gratitude for his time with the band in a brief statement. “Playing with The Rolling Stones has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m proud of the work we did together, and I’ll always cherish the memories and friendships we built on the road,” Jones said.
### Looking to the Future
For The Rolling Stones, this marks yet another change in their evolving lineup, though the core members—Jagger, Richards, and Wood—remain intact. The band is reportedly already in talks with potential replacements, and fans can expect The Stones to continue their global tours and studio projects. Despite Jones’ departure, the band’s commitment to its fans and live music remains strong, as they recently wrapped up the latest leg of their tour.
As for Darryl Jones, his future looks equally exciting. There are rumors that he is already in the studio, working on a jazz album that will showcase his deep-rooted love for the genre. Fans of his musicianship can look forward to seeing a new side of the bassist, one that may take him back to the jazz clubs where his career first began.
This transition marks a significant moment in the history of one of rock’s most enduring institutions, but for both The Rolling Stones and Darryl Jones, it’s clear that the music will continue, albeit on different paths. As they each venture into new phases of their respective careers, fans will be watching closely to see where their next steps take them.
