The Rolling Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts has passed away at the age of 83. He was an integral part of the band’s sound, and his legacy will continue to be felt in music for years to come.
Charlie Watts, the drummer of The Rolling Stones, passed away on December 2nd. He was a member of the band for more than 50 years and is credited with helping to define their sound.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (CBSLA) – Charlie Watts, the legendary Rolling Stones’ drummer for six decades, died on Tuesday at the age of 80.
FILE — Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts performs during a performance in the United Kingdom on Sept. 10, 1973. (Photo credit: Getty Images) )
Watts died at a London hospital, the band announced in a statement.
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The reason of death remained unknown. Watts will miss the Stones’ next U.S. tour due to a medical procedure, the band revealed earlier this month.
Following his death, condolences came in from musicians all around the globe, including Elton John and Paul McCartney:
August 24, 2024 — The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones)
pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE Paul on Charlie Watts
August 24, 2024 — Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney)
Today is a really sad day. Charlie Watts was the king of the drum kit. He’s one of the most elegant guys I’ve ever met, and he’s in great company. Shirley, Seraphina, and Charlotte, please accept my heartfelt sympathies. The Rolling Stones, of course.
@theRollingStones #CharlieWatts #RIP @theRollingStones #CharlieWatts #RIP
August 24, 2024 — Elton John (@eltonofficial)
#God bless Charlie Watts, we’ll miss you, man. Peace and love to the Watts family, Ringo
August 24, 2024 — #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic)
Without the rhythm, flair, and VIBE of this great artist, rock n roll would not be rock n roll. #CharlieWatts, one of the finest and most influential builders of the music we adore, has passed away. pic.twitter.com/xEfzaSLCba
August 24, 2024 — Tom Morello (@tmorello)
Charlie Watts was rock & roll’s most graceful and dignified drummer. He just played what was required – nothing more, nothing less. He’s a one-of-a-kind individual. pic.twitter.com/aasPZ2fMYX
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August 24, 2024 — Joan Jett (@joanjett)
I was saddened to learn about Charlie Watts’ death. Charlie was the engine of subtle and powerful grooves for the Rolling Stones, which has long been my favorite band. I’ll play “Sway,” which is my all-time favorite tune. If it hadn’t been for Charlie, none of us in a rock band would be here. pic.twitter.com/0GsCAIEIO3
August 24, 2024 — Mike McCready (@MikeMcCreadyPJ)
The album Exile On Main Street is a sloppy rock’n’roll classic. Every night in the studio, nothing occurred until Charlie figured out the rhythm to whatever riff Keith was working on. Things started to happen as they latched onto one other. He was the Rolling Stones’ driving force. Charlie Watts, rest in peace.
August 24, 2024 — Billy Bragg (@billybragg)
It was a monumentally sad day when I learned that my personal idol, Charlie Watts, had passed away. I’m heartbroken, and my heart breaks for Shirley, Serafina, the Watts family as a whole, and, of course, his bandmates. Really, I’m at a loss for words. Charlie Watts is a character in the film Charlie Watts My buddy, may you rest in peace…
— August 24, 2024, Max Weinberg (@EStreetMax)
Regardless of whatever Stones song was being played… It was constantly in a deep groove… Charlie Watts, to be precise… He’ll be sorely missed. -J.O.
courtesy of Getty Images pic.twitter.com/BIGqSxvySE
August 24, 2024 — Daryl Hall & John Oates (@halloates)
I’m very saddened to learn about Charlie Watts’ death. He was a great person and a huge impact in the music industry, and he will be sorely missed. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, Mick, Ronnie, Keith, and all of his friends and supporters. R.I.P.
pic.twitter.com/62veFSUjoz Tony
August 24, 2024 — Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi)