Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts told bandmate Ronnie Wood “the show must go on” after he had to pull out of their US tour.
Charlie, 80, is “unlikely to be available for the resumed Rolling Stones USA No Filter Tour this fall”, a spokesman has said.
Session drummer Steve Jordan will replace Charlie, who is recovering from an unspecified medical procedure.
Guitarist Ronnie, 74, said: “I will miss Charlie on our upcoming tour, but he told me the show must go on.
"I’m really looking forward to Charlie getting back on stage with us as soon as he’s fully recovered. A huge thank you to the band’s old friend Steve Jordan for rockin’ on in Charlie’s place."
Keith Richards, 77, added: “This has been a bit of a blow to all of us, to say the least, and we’re all wishing for Charlie to have a speedy recovery.”
Singer Sir Mick Jagger, 78, said they look forward to welcoming Charlie back “as soon as he is fully recovered”.
The band are due to resume their tour in the US in September.
It was postponed last year. The next date is St Louis on September 26, with shows also scheduled for Pittsburgh, Nashville, Minneapolis, Dallas and more.
A 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.
