Another great musician gone to music heaven. RIP.
Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones drummer regarded as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, has died aged 80.
A statement from his London publicist, Bernard Doherty, to the PA Media news agency revealed the news today.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts.
“He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also, as a member of the Rolling Stones, one of the greatest drummers of his generation.”
Earlier this month, it was announced that Watts was to miss the band’s forthcoming US tour as he recovered from an unspecified medical procedure.
Mick Jagger paid a simple tribute to his longtime band mate on social media, posting an image of Watts laughing while behind a drum kit on stage, while Keith Richards followed with an image of a drum kit with a closed sign hanging off it.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 24, 2021
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) August 24, 2021
Watts’s death has also drawn swift reactions from rock ‘n’ roll royalty including the likes of Elton John and Paul McCartney.
“A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company,” Elton John said on Instagram.
Starting as a jazz drummer and joining the Stones early in 1963, Watt’s propelled the iconic band’s sound for nearly 60 years, renowned for his limber stance, unrivalled style and unruffled ability to make songs swing even when keeping the strictest time. Watts was often ranked with Keith Moon, Ginger Baker and a handful of others as a premier rock drummer.
He was ranked just behind Jagger and Keith Richards as the group’s longest lasting and most essential members.
Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician.
Rest In Peace Charlie Watts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love.
