Just shy of six decades with rock’s most decorated group, Charlie Watts, drummer of the Rolling Stones, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 80.
A stoic-faced jazz drummer who found himself propelled to the top of the rock world, Watts joined the Rolling Stones in 1963. With an unassuming style that would soon become legendary, his grooves steered the band through every single studio album – from their unruly debut to their creative and critical peak Sticky Fingers, through the disco era and back to their blues roots.
The fact that he kept drumming into his late 70s – years after overcoming roadblocks like addiction and throat cancer – is a testament to his passion for his craft. “It’s been years and years and years I’ve been playing the drums, and they’re still a challenge. I still enjoy using drumsticks and a snare drum.”
Watts was scheduled to miss the Stones’ 2021 tour while recovering from a medical procedure that wasn’t initially considered life threatening. His last performance with the band was on August 30, 2019.
More than a drummer, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. The impact of his passing has resonated deeply throughout the drumming community and beyond. We’ll never forget Charlie Watts.
As Paul McCartney aptly put it, “Charlie was steady as a rock.”
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts – A total Gentleman, class act, and personal friend. His drumming was much like his personality- consistent, unique, honest, supportive, and timeless. I’m sending my condolences, love and support to the entire Watts and Rolling Stones Families.
— Will Calhoun (@WillCalhounDrum) August 24, 2021
Will Calhoun pic.twitter.com/wDE688dv5k
A monumentally sad day learning my personal hero Charlie Watts has died. I’m devastated and my soul aches for Shirley, Serafina, the extended Watts family, and of course his band mates. I don’t know what to say really. Charlie Watts Rest In Peace my friend…
— Max Weinberg (@EStreetMax) August 24, 2021
#God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo 😎✌️🌟❤️🌈🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/3tSFg7EMQG
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 24, 2021
Ugh…so sad to hear of the passing of Charlie Watts. It goes without say that he was an early influence on me as The Stones were one of the first bands I grew up with in the late 60’s/early 70’s. Our heroes are slowly leaving us…Carpe Diem 🙏 #RIPCharlieWatts @RollingStones pic.twitter.com/pPmuK6ktvM
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) August 24, 2021
Feature image: Poiseon
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