MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Charlie Watts, legendary Rolling Stones drummer, dies at 80

Charlie Watts died on Tuesday, August 24 in London, surrounded by his family

Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts, who provided the backbone to the band's songs for more than half a century, has passed away. He was 80 years old. According to reports, Watts died on Tuesday, August 24 in London, surrounded by his family.

Announcing the news of Charlie Watts' demise, publicist Bernard Doherty said in a statement, "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." He added, "We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time." We have witnessed the demise of several great music icons recently. Dusty Hill, Biz Markie, Sound Sultan, Robert Eugene Steinhardt are to name a few.

READ MORE

How did Johnny Ventura die? Internet mourns tragic death of 'Dominican legend'

Who is Johnny Ventura's wife Josefina Flores? Musician's father-in-law didn't approve relationship

According to reports, Watts needed to 'rest and recuperate' following a medical procedure in London after a problem was found during a routine check-up. Watts was deemed 'unfit' by the doctors to join the rescheduled 13-date 'No Filter tour' which is supposed to start next month. Speaking of the same, he joked at the time, "For once, my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while." He added, "After all the disappointment with delays to the tour caused by Covid, I really don’t want the many Stones fans in the States who have been holding tickets to have another postponement or cancellation."

The Stones planned big celebrations for their 60th-anniversary in 2022 including the release of their first album of ­original songs in 17 years. But sadly, Watts passed away before he could rejoin his bandmates.

Watts had been a member of the Rolling Stones since 1963. Talking about his personal life, Watts married Shirley Anne Shepherd in 1964. The couple shared one daughter, Seraphina. "I've never filled the stereotype of a rock star. Back in the 70s Bill Wyman and I decided to grow beards and the effort left us exhausted," Watts once remarked. His bandmates Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood all paid tribute following the announcement of his demise, as well as bands like Aersomith and Pearl Jam also sent in their condolences along with other fans. 

One social media user gave a fleeting glimpse into the man that Watts was as he shared: "RIP Charlie Watts, a man who never lost sight of the importance of proper tailoring hen you are getting ready to punch Mick Jagger." Pearl Jam paid tribute to the musician in a series of tweets: "We are so deeply, deeply saddened to hear of Charlie Watts passing. The impact he’s had on musicians and listeners across the planet is profound..."

Aerosmith wrote: "We are extremely saddened to hear the passing of the legendary Charlie Watts. Our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and The Rolling Stones. Sincerely, from the guys in Aerosmith you’ve given us all so much! RIP CHARLIE."