Charlie Watts, the drummer for the Rolling Stones for more than 50 years, has died at the age of 80, according to a statement from his publicist.
Watts “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family,” spokesman Bernard Doherty said in a Tuesday statement released by the band on social media. “We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”
“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,” Doherty added.
SINGER BEGS OBAMAS FOR FORGIVENESS AFTER POSTING VIDEO FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD BIRTHDAY PARTY
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021
The drummer’s death inspired an outpouring of support from celebrities, including fellow performers Elton John and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.
“A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer,” Elton John tweeted. “The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.”
Ringo Starr also lamented the death of Watts on Tuesday, tweeting out, “#God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo.”
Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson said he was left “shocked” at the death of Watts, saying, “Charlie was a great drummer.”
A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.
@therollingstones #CharlieWatts #RIP pic.twitter.com/9rjSSgioZL
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 24, 2021
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/C4q2zXvVKo
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 24, 2021
Peace and love, Charlie Watts. ? pic.twitter.com/SSc7s3Qf9w
— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) August 24, 2021
The Rolling Stones announced on Aug. 4 that Watts would not be part of the band’s “No Filter” tour throughout the United States after the drummer underwent an unspecified medical procedure.
Watts joked at the time that “for once, my timing has been a little off.” He also said he did not want any postponements of the tour following the numerous concerts that were delayed by the pandemic, opting to allow Steve Jordan, a member of Keith Richards‘s side project X-Pensive Winos, to take his place.
The drummer joined the band in January 1963 and is the only member besides Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to appear on every single studio record.
Watts helped the Rolling Stones become one of the bands that brought rock ‘n’ roll to the mainstream with classics such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Get Off of My Cloud,” and “Sympathy for the Devil.”
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Watts was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2004 but survived following two operations.
