Chuck Leavell

When Chuck Leavell joined the Rolling Stones' rock 'n' roll circus in 1982, the Macon-based musician was already internationally known for his work with the Allman Brothers, Sea Level and Dr. John. His soul and gospel inspired keyboard and piano playing is featured on hundreds of recordings and live performances from George Harrison, Eric Clapton, the Black Crowes and many more. Since the late '80s, Leavell has also been active as a diligent forestry conservationist and tree farmer. On a rare day off at his Charlane Plantation home in Twiggs County, Leavell chatted about trees, rock music and the Stones' massive 40th anniversary tour, which brings him back to Georgia Saturday night.

Creative Loafing: What have you been doing on your day off?

Chuck Leavell: I just finished some MIDI-files for an instructional keyboard player DVD. It should be out around December and its double-sided, with files to play along with and some interview footage, too. Life is not all about the Rolling Stones. It seems like it is right now, though.

Have you had time to do any environmental lobbying lately?

Oh, yes. We were in Washington, D.C., recently, and I had time for a pretty high-level meeting with the secretary of agriculture. On Capitol Hill, I met with a number of congressmen about forestry issues.

You're starting to sound like a politician.

I'm just glad to know people are trying to do some good for the forests. We're at a critical time. We lost six-and-a-half million acres to fires this year. There are all kinds of challenges to face. We just need to keep on top of it and hopefully make a difference.

This is the Stones' 40 Licks tour, celebrating 40 years of the band. You've been around for 20 of those 40 licks.

Yes! It's incredible to find myself at this stage of my life, touring with the Stones. Thinking back, as a kid I was playing the YMCA in Tuscaloosa, Ala., doing Rolling Stones songs. Now I'm still doing it, and people are coming in droves to see us.

With this tour, you're playing club shows, theaters and stadiums. Does the venue dictate the set?

Certainly in a stadium setting you have to pay attention to the better-known songs. For some, it's their first Stones show, you know. We worked up over 130 songs for this tour so we can really mix it up. We dug way back into the catalog for some that have never been performed, like "She Smiled Sweetly," "Can't You Hear Me Knockin,'" "That's How Strong My Love Is," some pretty cool and fun things to be doing.

Do you guys find that you have to keep topping yourself with each tour?

The Stones are known for big stage productions, but we have finally come around full circle. There are no giant inflatables this time, or things like that. There are a few showy bits, but the emphasis is more on letting the music speak for itself.

So while the 250-person crew assembles the stage and gets everything going, what are the Rolling Stones themselves doing? I'm sure a lot of people think it's a non-stop party for you guys.

The goal isn't to live our lives to some ridiculous rock 'n' roll anthem. It's hard work. Yes, of course it's fun to remember the spirit of rock 'n' roll, but this is a job.

What's a typical day like for you, personally?

I wake up at 9 or 10 a.m., and go the gym for an hour or so. Then I'll put a proposed set list together for Mick. I give it to his assistant so he can start deciding on it. Then lunch or shopping, if my wife's along with me. Next, we meet and discuss the show and get the final set list. Then, go the venue that afternoon, get settled and do the soundcheck. Then there's usually some down time, I'll go to wardrobe, get some clothes and meet any friends or guests that come by. Then, when the time comes to get it all together, you get an hour notice, then a 30-minute notice, and then we get ready, shake hands, walk to the stage and do our thing.

The Rolling Stones play Sat., Oct. 26, at Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Dr. No Doubt opens. 7:30 p.m. $53-$303. 404-249-6400. www.cc.com.??