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For music lovers and The Rolling Stones fans, today is a very sad day. The band’s celebrated drummer Charlie Watts has passed away, aged 80. In a statement from the musician’s London publicist, Bernard Doherty, to the PA Media news agency, he said: “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.”
It comes after Watts was to miss the band’s upcoming US tour after he recovered from a mystery medical procedure.
It is safe to say that Watts was one of the greatest drummers of all time. His drumming DNA has touched some of The Rolling Stones greatest hits such as “Paint It, Black”, “Start Me Up” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”. The English rock band was established in 1962 in London and originally comprised of the legendary Mick Jagger, multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, guitarist Keith Richards, drummer Charlie Watts, and bassist Bill Wyman.
There has been an outpouring of tributes to the late drummer on social media. Beatles member, Ringo Starr, wrote, “God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family.” Elton John also honoured the drummer on social media, writing, “A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company.”
Watts’ bandmate Jagger posted a photo of the drummer to social media without a caption. Photos speak a thousand words and this certainly didn’t need one.
Watts was diagnosed in 2004 with throat cancer but later recovered after a course of radiography. Our hearts are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
