Wayne Perkins obit

’70s Golden Era Guitarist and Rolling Stones Collaborator Dies at 74

 

He was not on the list.

Wayne Perkins, an Alabama-born guitarist with ties to The Rolling Stones, died yesterday, March 18, 2026. He was 74 years old.

The news was announced by his family today on social media.

"For those who haven't heard, Wayne passed away yesterday peacefully," his brother DalePerkins shared on Facebook. "Our sisters and family members were there with him. We appreciate all the kind thoughts and memories. He was one of a kind, and we loved him very much, and thank you all."

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Perkins died after suffering a stroke, which followed being diagnosed with several brain tumors over the past few years.

Wayne Perkins and The Rolling Stones

Also per the outlet, Perkins caught the attention of Mick Jagger and the Stones through a mutual friend, Eric Clapton, who recommended Perkins for the guitarist gig after Mick Taylor departed the band, before the recording of their Black and Blue album in 1976.

Perkins collaborated on "Hand of Fate," "Memory Motel,” and “Fool to Cry.” He also played on “Worried About You,” released later in 1981 on Tattoo You.

In his 2010 memoir, Life, Stones guitarist and vocalist Keith Richards said, "We liked Perkins a lot. He was a lovely player ... [but] it wasn't so much the playing, when it came down to it. It came down to the fact that [Ron Wood] was English."

Wood got the job instead, UCR notes.

Wayne Perkins and Rock Legends

Perkins was asked to join Lynyrd Skynrydby singer Ronnie Van Zant after performing with Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, and Steve Winwood as a session guitarist at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, per UCR. But Perkins turned him down, saying, “They didn’t need me, and I had a lot of other stuff coming my way.”

In 1972, Perkins cofounded Smith Perkins Smith (pictured in the hero image at the top of this story). They released their debut album that year. In 1973, Perkins collaborated with Bob Marley and the Wailers on their Catch a Fire album. And in 1974, Perkins worked with Joni Mitchell on her Court and Spark album.

In February 2025, PBS recorded a tribute to the guitarist. You can watch the special look at the life and career of the artist here.