ROLLING STONES DRUMMER CHARLIE DIES AT 80
‘Beating heart’ of iconic band passes away in hospital
BAND’S ‘IMMENSE SADNESS’
SIR Paul McCartney last night led the flood of tributes to Charlie Watts after the death of The Rolling Stones legend.
The former Beatle joined a host of stars mourning the passing of the veteran drummer, who died in hospital yesterday at the age of 80 surrounded by his family.
Described as the “heartbeat” of the Stones, Charlie – who leaves wife Shirley, 82, daughter Seraphina, 53, and 24-year-old granddaughter Charlotte – had been in the band since 1963.
He had pulled out of the their upcoming US tour due to ill health.
Sir Paul said: “So sad to hear about Charlie Watts dying. He was a lovely guy.
“I knew he was ill but I didn’t know he was this ill, so lots of love to his family, his wife and kids and his extended family, and condolences to the Stones, it’ll be a huge blow to them because Charlie was a rock and a fantastic drummer, steady as a rock.
“Love you, Charlie, beautiful man, and great condolences and sympathies to his family.”
Queen drummer Roger Taylor added: “How sad, we’ve lost a true gentleman. The immaculate, beating heart of The Rolling Stones.”
Ringo Starr posted a photo of him and Charlie together. The former Beatles drummer wrote: “God bless Charlie Watts, we’re going to miss you man, peace and love to the family, Ringo.”
Sir Elton John tweeted: “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.”
Musician Bryan Adams hailed Charlie as “one of the greatest rock drummers ever and a real gentleman”, while Beach Boys star Brian Wilson said: “I’m just shocked.
“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.”
Chic legend Nile Rodgers added: “Rest In Power. You are a smooth brother. Thanks for all the great music.” Rocker Joan Jett called Charlie “the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock ’n’ roll”. She added: “He played exactly what was needed, no more, no less. He is one of a kind.” Scots musicians also paid tribute. Rockers Gun supported the Stone on tour, including a gig at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in 1990. Last night on social media, the band posted: “Charlie would come into our dressing room many times and asked if we were all good? Made us feel so welcome. He kept saying to us, if we need absolutely anything to just ask!”
“A real sweet down to earth man who was so quiet but adored by millions. There will never ever be a Charlie Watts, a true gentleman and with his unique style of drumming that made him a one off.”
Annie Lennox said: “Legend… R.I.P Charlie Watts,” as she shared an old picture of the star, while daughter Lola also simply put RIP Charlie Watts.
And Fran Healy from Travis posted: “To honor Charlie, everyone should open the windows of their cars and houses and offices and play Get Off My Cloud in a massive record-breaking synchronized playback. #charliewatts.”
Rolling Stones publicist Bernard Doherty broke the news of Charlie’s death yesterday afternoon.
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 was announced
earlier this month that Charlie would miss the band’s latest tour, which resumes next month.
During a recent routine check-up doctors discovered an undisclosed problem, thought to be with his heart. He underwent a “successful procedure” in London.
But his spokesman said at the time he was “unlikely to be available for the resumption of The Rolling Stones USA No Filter Tour this fall” as he recovered.
Charlie said later: “For once, my timing has been a little off.
“I am working hard to get fully fit but have accepted the advice of the experts that this will take a while.
After all the fans’ suffering caused by Covid, I do not want those who have been holding tickets to be disappointed.
“I have asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me.”
In typical selfless fashion, Charlie told bandmate Ronnie Wood “the show must go on”.
Guitarist Ronnie said last month: “I’m really looking forward to Charlie getting back on stage with us as soon as he’s fully recovered
Keith Richards, 77, added: “This has been a bit of a blow to all of us, to say the least, and we’re all wishing for Charlie to have a speedy recovery.”
Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger, 78, said they were looking forward to welcoming Charlie back “as soon as he is fully recovered”.
The US tour was postponed last year due to the pandemic.
The next date is St Louis on September 26, with shows also scheduled for Pittsburgh, Nashville, Dallas and more. In 2004, Charlie was treated for throat cancer at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital and given the all-clear after a four-month battle with the disease.
He was diagnosed after discovering a lump on the left of his neck. Doctors performed a biopsy which confirmed the tumour was malignant and he was diagnosed with the cancer in June that year. His spokesman said the treatment had “not interfered with any tour or recording plans for the group”.
Following his recovery, the Stones began work on their 22nd studio album, A Bigger Bang. Charlie said afterwards: “Eight months later Mick said, ‘We’re going to do a record but only when you’re ready.’”
Charlie, who reportedly gave up smoking in the 1980s, said during an interview he felt “very lucky” doctors had caught the cancer early.
He formed the Stones with Jagger, Richards, Bill Wyman and Brian Jones in 1962. Jones drowned in his swimming pool aged 27, in 1969.
Wyman was replaced by Ronnie.
God bless Charlie Watts, we’re going to miss you, man. Love and peace to the family RINGO STARR AFTER HEARING ABOUT HIS FRIEND’S DEATH