Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts, drummer for The Rolling Stones, has passed away at the age of 80. In a statement, publicist Bernard Doherty 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.”
Watts recently announced he would be sitting out the Stones’ upcoming live dates due to undefined health issues. At the time, the band said that Watts “had a procedure which was completely successful, but his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation.”
Charlie Watts joined the Rolling Stones in 1963 and stuck with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards longer than any other member of the iconic rock band. Watts was beloved as one of the greatest and most important drummers of his generation. He was known for his sharp-dressed style befitting a jazz musician, especially compared to his bandmates.
The Rolling Stones
Born in London in 1941, Watts was a jazz fan from a young age and began drumming at 14 years old. He played drums for different jazz groups until replacing original Stones drummer Mick Avory in 1963, months before the rockers’ first single was released.
A former graphic designer as well, Watts was involved in designing many of the Rolling Stones’ stadium stages over the years. He continued to play jazz when not working with the Stones throughout his career. Watts overcame throat cancer in 2004 as well as drug and alcohol problems in the mid 80’s.
Watts was married to his wife Shirley Shepherd for nearly 55 years and have one daughter and one granddaughter.
