ROLLING STONES drummer CHARLIE WATTS has moved swiftly to dismiss rumours he’s plotting to end his rock ‘n’ roll career and quit the band after 46 years.

A report about Watts’ alleged departure on Australian website Undercover.com sent fans into a frenzy on Wednesday (02Sep09).

The site suggested the 68-year-old throat cancer survivor would no longer tour or record with the Stones, and the band was hoping to replace him in their line-up with New York drummer Charlie Drayton, who has played on solo projects with Keith Richards.

However, Watts is assuring fans he has no plans to leave the group.

His spokesperson says, “Contrary to a fabricated story that ran this morning on a small music website in Australia, drummer Charlie Watts has not left The Rolling Stones.”

By rounak