Sep 15, 2005, 14:51 GMT
Charlie Watts has told how treatment for throat cancer left him paralysed.
The Rolling Stones drummer had his lymph nodes removed after he was diagnosed with the disease in June this year.
The 64-year-old is quoted in Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper as saying: "When they do that the muscles go. You can't lift your arm. It's like being paralysed. It was a worry because of what I do for a living."
The rocker revealed he was still recovering from radiotherapy treatments when he flew to Canada to rehearse for the Bigger Bang tour.
He is quoted in Britain's Daily Express newspaper as saying: "I was 50 per cent fit when I arrived in Toronto. We had to tour and I didn't know if I could get through a song. You can't stop once you get going if you are a drummer."
Watts, who hasn't smoked since the 1960s, added: "I really didn't know if I could make it but it's amazing how quickly your body heals."
The musician believes he is clear of the disease following treatment at London's Royal Marsden Hospital.
Fellow Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have said they were confident their bandmate would win his cancer battle.
Richards is quoted in Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "There was no doubt Charlie would beat it. When he came back he looked exactly the same - like he's just combed his hair and put a suit on."
Copyright 2005 BANG Media International
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