Rolling stones star Charlie Watts dies aged 80
Charlie Watts, best known as the prolific drummer for the rock band, the Rolling Stones for more than half a century, has died.
Although no cause of death was given, his publicist said: “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. The musician passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family”.
Concerns about Watts’ health came up earlier this year when it was announced that, despite being the band’s resident drummer since 1963, he would be sitting out their 2021 U.S. “No Filter” tour in order to recover from an undisclosed medical procedure.
“Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful, but his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation,” Variety reported the spokesperson said at the time. “With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say no one saw this coming.” the publicist added.
The quiet, calm Watts was often ranked with Keith Moon, Ginger Baker and a handful of others as a premier rock drummer. He was respected worldwide for his muscular, swinging style as the band rose from its scruffy beginnings to international superstardom. He joined the Stones early in 1963 and remained over the next 60 years, ranked just behind Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as the group’s longest lasting and most essential member.
The Stones began, Watts said, “as White blokes from England playing Black American music” but quickly evolved their own distinctive sound. Watts was a jazz drummer in his early years and never lost his affinity for the music he first loved, heading his own jazz band and taking on numerous other side projects.
A classic Stones song like “Brown Sugar” and “Start Me Up” often began with a hard guitar riff from Richards, with Watts following closely behind, and, as bassist Wyman liked to say, “fattening the sound.” Watts’ speed, power and time keeping were never better showcased than during the concert documentary “Shine a Light,” when director Martin Scorsese filmed “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” from where he drummed toward the back of the stage.
He was a steadying influence on stage and off as the Stones defied all expectations by rocking well into their 70s, decades longer than their old rivals the Beatles.
Watts did on occasion have an impact beyond drumming. He worked with Jagger on the ever more spectacular stage designs for the group’s tours. He also provided illustrations for the back cover of the acclaimed 1967 album “Between the Buttons” and inadvertently gave the record its title.
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