Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, part of one of the greatest bands in rock ‘n’ roll history, has died at the age of 80 years old.
An official statement breaking the news said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts”. He was “a cherished husband, father and grandfather” and “one of the greatest drummers of his generation”.
Tributes came pouring in from fellow music stars including The Beatles’ Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson from The Beach Boys, and Sir Elton John. Sir Paul remembers Watts as “a lovely guy” and “a fantastic drummer” who was “steady as a rock”. While Sir Elton tweeted what a “very sad day” it is to hear of the death of the “ultimate drummer”. He describes Watts as “the most stylish of men, and such brilliant company”. Wilson is “shocked” to hear the news, describing Watts as “a great drummer”.
The news comes just weeks after announcements that Watts would miss the band’s US tour dates to recover from a medical procedure. He previously received treatment in 2004 for throat cancer.
Watts joined Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones in their band in January 1963, helping the Stones reach the heights of fame. Along with The Beatles, they became one of the groups who popularised rock ‘n’ roll in the 60s. Classic songs include (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Get Off My Cloud and Jumpin’ Jack Flash.
The heartbeat of the Stones
Charlie Watts is not known as a flashy drummer with frenzied solos or explosives kick drums, but rather a subtle, stoic heartbeat. A lover jazz, Watts found his passion in the drums after hearing Chico Hamilton on Walking Shoes. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first introduced him to the dark arts of rock ‘n’ roll in the early 1960s. He played drums as a member of The Rolling Stones for nearly 60 years.
Watts joined the Stones in 1963 after several other failed drummers, and the band never looked back since. His jazz influence provided their songs with swagger and a groove which lended well to Jagger’s iconic drawl. Meanwhile, Richards says “Charlie Watts gives me the freedom to fly on stage”.
The quiet and reserved member of the band, both on and off stage, Watts stuck to the shadows, leaving the limelight for the others. He said in a interview in 1991 that he had no interest in “showbiz”. He was just happy to play his instrument. In 2016, he ranked at number 12 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of 100 greatest drummers of all time.
Watts passed away peacefully in a London hospital on Tuesday surrounded by his family. He is survived by wife Shirley, daughter Seraphina, and his granddaughter Charlotte. His family, band members and close friends request their privacy is respected at this sad and difficult time.
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