Charlie Watts News

The Rolling Stones drummer has beaten his throat cancer and is now ready to rejoin the group for another world tour, fellow Stones Mick Jagger revealed in an interview this week with London's Daily Mirror.

"Charlie has had all his treatments and he's now been cleared and is free of any illness," the wiry singer told the paper, expressing satisfaction.

Watts, 63, discovered a lump on his neck in June that a biopsy later confirmed was a malignant tumor. He subsequently underwent a "minor operation" to remove the tumor and completed six weeks of intensive radiotherapy at London's Royal Marsden Hospital, near his Chelsea home.

Jagger said the treatment left the rock vet feeling sapped of energy. But Watts, who quit smoking more than 15 years ago, reportedly plans to rest up with his wife of 40 years, Shirley, before getting back behind his kit for another big Stones outing, which the spandex-loving frontman indicated was in the offing.

"Keith Richards and I have been writing lots of songs for the new Rolling Stones album," Jagger added. "We haven't booked the tour yet and when we do we'll let you know, but there will definitely be another one."

Before they embark on the new gigs, the Stones are scheduled to head back into the studio to record tracks for the new disc early next year.

Watts is considered the "quiet" member of the world's most famous rock 'n' roll band for his shyness in front of the press and his laid-back style holding down rhythm for the Stones' "Glimmer Twins"—61-year-old Jagger and 60-year-old Richards.

Watts was also more of a homebody than his mates and was never known as a serious party animal, although he did overcome an addiction to heroin and amphetamines in the 1980s. He reportedly hasn't touched drugs or alcohol since.

When he's not keeping time with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Watts is often seen frequenting London's jazz clubs and heading up several jazz combos, including the 12-piece Tentet and the Charlie Watts Quintet.