Bill Wyman, who is 90 years old this week, and was for 31 years the bass player of the The Rolling Stones, is our guest today. Bill talks to Gyles about his wartime childhood in south-east London, and some of the really visceral experiences he had during the war of bombing and evacuation. He talks about his grandmother - who taught him to read, got him started on piano lessons, and made delicious bread pudding; and his dad, who was a tough disciplinarian who didn't like the airs and graces that Bill picked up at grammar school. Bill talks about the early days of the Rolling Stones, when Mick, Keith and Brian Jones lived in a squalid flat in Chelsea and could barely afford to feed themselves. He talks about his close friendship with Charlie Watts and their reputation as the best rhythm section in rock and roll. He talks about the instrumental role the Beatles played in the Stones being discovered. And he talks about leaving the group and finding success - and happiness - in collaboration with other musicians and artists later in his career.

This is a fascinating chat with the "oldest living rocker" on the planet, who was there at the heart of it all.

Bill has a number of releases coming up to mark his 90th birthday, including The Best of Bill Wyman, available here, and Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Ultimate Collection, available here.

Our heartfelt thanks to Bill for this conversation, and a very, very happy birthday from all of us at Rosebud!

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