The Rolling Stones have denied reports that drummer Charlie Watts has quit the group.

On Sunday, an Australian music website claimed Watts had left because he didn’t want to embark on another world tour.

The Herald Sun said he was due to be replaced by US drummer Steve Jordan.

However, a spokesperson for The Rolling Stones, said: “Contrary to a fabricated and ill informed report that appeared yesterday on a small music website in Australia, we would like to make it clear that drummer Charlie Watts has not left The Rolling Stones.”

"Charlie is currently being interviewed by the media promoting their latest project - the release of the album 'Exile on Main Street' and the forthcoming film Stones In Exile, released on DVD next month.’’

It is the second time in less than a year that Watts’s future with the group has come under the spotlight.

The latest denial follows the band’s return to the top of the UK album chart on Sunday (May 23) with the re-issue of their 1972 album ‘Exile On Main Street’.

(by Jason Gregory)