Bill Wyman’s hearing loss and repetitive strain injuries forced him out of the Rolling Stones

After 31 years as the Rolling Stones’ bassist, Bill Wyman walked away in 1993. The decision wasn’t just about wanting a quieter life — his body was giving out. Years of loud stage monitoring had left him with permanent tinnitus and severe high-frequency hearing loss. On top of that, he’d developed repetitive strain injuries in both hands from the relentless thumping of his bass strings, making simple chords painful.

Post-Stones, Wyman didn’t just retreat. He released solo albums, formed his own band (Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings), wrote books, and pursued his passion for photography. But he also became more careful about volume — he now plays with custom in-ear monitors to protect what’s left of his hearing. His hand issues forced him to adjust his bass technique, using lighter strings and shorter sets. He’s said the pain never fully went away, but he’s found ways to manage it without the relentless touring schedule of the Stones.