Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies

Watts died in London

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80. The band shared the news on their socials on Tuesday (Aug 24th).

“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,” the statement reads.

“Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also a member of the Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation.

“We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”

No cause of death has been revealed.

Earlier this month, Watts bowed of out of the band’s upcoming No Filter 2021 Tour as he was recovering from an unspecified medical procedure. Watts was an original member of the band alongside Richards, vocalist Mick Jagger and bassist Bill Wyman.

The Stones were inducted into the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame in 1989. Watts was a 3x GRAMMY winner and a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Watts himself was also inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2006.

Many musicians share their condolences and thoughts on Watts’ death and drumming inspiration on social media.

“So sad to hear about Charlie Watts, Stones drummer dying,” Paul McCartney shares in a video. “He was a lovely guy, and I knew he was ill, but I didn’t know he was this ill. Lots of love to his family, his wife and kids and his extended family. And condolences to the Stones. This will be a huge blow to them because Charlie was a rock, and a fantastic drummer. Steady as a rock.”

”A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company,” writes Elton John. “My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.”

“Ugh…so sad to hear of the passing of Charlie Watts. It goes without say that he was a big early influence 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,” says Mike Portnoy on Instagram.

“I’m just shocked to hear about Charlie Watts. I don’t know what to say, I feel terrible for Charlie’s family. Charlie was a great drummer and I loved the Stones music, they made great records. Love & Mercy,” shares Brian Wilson.

“Drummers are the most ensnared individuals. Though they are loudest, they are the last to be heard. They have insecurities due to the fact that everyone has their back turned on them. Herein lies the band’s secret; there is no greatness- without a great drummer. RIP Charlie Watts,” shares Perry Farrell.

“I first saw The @RollingStones in 1966 in the Bay Area and have been a fan ever since. Charlie Watts was one of the great drummers and will be missed. Rest easy Charlie,” states John Fogerty.

“Tom T. Hall, Don Everly, and Charlie Watts in less than a week. This is a kick to the gut,” Rosanne Cash tweeted.

“BMG mourns the passing and celebrates the life of the legendary Charlie Watts – the heartbeat of The Rolling Stones. His impeccable style shaped not only the sound, but the color of ‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band in the World’. He will always be remembered,” BMG shares.

“Thank you for the decades of timeless music & for the mass inspiration, Charlie ❤️,” Korn drummer Ray Luzier writes.

“#CHARLIEWATTS. The beat of The Stones. There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.
6/2/41 – 8/24/21,” shares Lenny Kravitz.

“I didn’t even properly know you, but I love you Charlie, and I thank you for all that you gave us. I’m so grateful that through countless recordings we will always be not only hearing you , but FEELING you!” Keith Urban shares.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com