Most people spend their whole lives dreaming of being a rock star. They imagine it will fulfil all their ambitions, satiate every desire and make them completely and utterly happy.

But it isn't always the case. Bill Wyman has never been happier since he walked away from The Rolling Stones and the circus that inevitably surrounds being in one of the biggest rock bands in the world.

It has been 17 years since the bassist decided he didn't want to roll with Mick and Keef anymore and, talking to the 72-year-old at his Chelsea home ahead of his new band's 32-date UK tour, he seems incredibly contented.

And when his all-star supergroup, The Rhythm Kings, take to the stage at Hull City Hall tonight it shouldn't be difficult to see why.

Joining the former Stone will be some of the greatest blues and rock 'n' roll talent of the past half century.

Albert Lee, the man who Eric Clapton describes as "the guvnor", is his guitarist, Georgie "Yeh Yeh" Fame is the keyboard player, his drummer played with the Beach Boys and Stevie Wonder and his singer, Beverley Skeet, has belted out backing vocals for everyone from Elton John to Whitney Houston.

Oh, and the guest singer on this tour is legendary US blues singer Gary Bonds – who was recommended by some bloke called Bruce Springsteen.

It's hard to be glum, when you're surrounded by such a well of talent.

"I wouldn't leave the house if I didn't enjoy it," says the down-to-earth rock god. "Joining this band isn't a career move for any of us. We could all make more money doing something else. But we have such a good time when we go out twice a year that this incredible bunch of musicians are willing to put their other careers on hold to come along. We do it because we love the music. We play a bit of everything – blues, jazz, soul and gospel. That's how it should be."

Bill may have been with his new group for 12 years and recorded 10 albums, including a best of compilation that was released earlier this month, but he will always be a Rolling Stone.

He and the Stones are still close friends and any bitterness that followed his departure has long since washed away.

But with rumours circulating that The Stones are up for closing next year's 40th anniversary Glastonbury Festival, could Bill be convinced to strap on his famous fretless bass with the boys for one last time?

"Er, I don't know. I'd have to think about it," he bluffs.

That's quite clearly not a no. Is a professional reconciliation realistically on the cards?

"That's not a yes either," grins the star. "You know spending time with Uncle Fred and Aunt Ethel is great occasionally, but you wouldn't want to live with them."

He never makes it quite clear which of Jagger and Richards is Fred and Ethel – but the implication is clear. It would have to be a pretty special offer to lure Bill Wyman away from his carefully cultivated, carefree existence.