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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Bill Wyman

Bill Wyman is an English musician best known as the bassist for the Rolling Stones from 1962 to 1993.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bill Wyman is an English musician best known as the bassist for the Rolling Stones from 1962 to 1993. Born William George Perks in London in 1936, he was part of the band’s first stable lineup and later led his own group, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings.

Early life

Bill Wyman was born William George Perks on 24 October 1936 in Lewisham, London. He later adopted the surname Wyman.

The Rolling Stones

Wyman became the Rolling Stones’ bassist in 1962 and was a long-serving member of the group until 1993. He is associated with the band’s early stable lineup and its first 19 studio albums.

Later career

After leaving the Rolling Stones, Wyman formed Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings in 1997. He also pursued work in writing, photography, and other musical projects.

Other work

Sources describe Wyman as having also worked as a producer and composer, including music for film and television. He has additionally been identified as an author.

Key facts

  • He joined the Rolling Stones in 1962 and remained with the band until 1993.
  • He played on the Rolling Stones’ first 19 studio albums.
  • After leaving the Rolling Stones, he performed with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings from 1997 onward.
  • He has also worked as a singer, songwriter, producer, author, and photographer.
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Canadian context

Bill Wyman is relevant to Canadian readers as a major figure in classic rock history through the Rolling Stones, whose recordings and tours have had a long-standing audience in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Bill Wyman?
Bill Wyman is an English musician best known as the former bassist of the Rolling Stones.
What was Bill Wyman’s birth name?
His birth name was William George Perks.
When was Bill Wyman in the Rolling Stones?
He was the Rolling Stones’ bassist from 1962 to 1993.
What band did Bill Wyman form after the Rolling Stones?
He formed Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, which he has led since 1997.
What is Bill Wyman known for besides the Rolling Stones?
He has also worked as a singer, songwriter, producer, author, and photographer.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Wyman
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, Rolling Stones tenure, first 19 studio albums
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://britannica.com/biography/Bill-Wyman
    Supports: Birth date and identification as a British/English musician
  3. AllMusichttps://www.allmusic.com/artist/bill-wyman-mn0000078802
    Supports: Career overview and later solo/eclectic work
  4. Fandangohttps://www.fandango.com/people/bill-wyman-735141/biography
    Supports: Later careers including author, photographer, and archaeologist
  5. Dixiefroghttps://www.dixiefrog.com/en/artist/bill-wyman-2/
    Supports: Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and later musical work