Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts is taking a break from the band after undergoing a “medical procedure”.

Watts, 80, confirmed he will not be available for the resumption of the Stones’ USA No Filter Tour.

The band is due to restart the postponed tour in September.

Watts’ spokesman said:

“Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful, but I gather his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation.

“With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say no-one saw this coming.”

Singer Sir Mick Jagger said they look forward to welcoming Watts back “as soon as he is fully recovered”.

Following the news, Sir Mick welcomed Watts’ replacement, Steve Jordan.

He tweeted:

“Thank you to our friend Steve Jordan for stepping in, so we can still play all the shows for you this fall.”

Watts said: “For once my timing has been a little off.

“I am working hard to get fully fit, but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while.

“After all the fans’ suffering caused by Covid I really do not want the many RS fans who have been holding tickets for this Tour to be disappointed by another postponement or cancellation.

“I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me.”

Jordan said it was an “absolute honour and privilege”.

He added: “I am looking forward to rehearsing with Mick, Keith and Ronnie.

“No-one will be happier than me to give up my seat on the drum-riser as soon as Charlie tells me he is good to go.”