Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Passes Away at Age 80
Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts has passed away at the age of 80, the band confirmed today.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” a statement said.
“He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family,” it continued, referring to Watts as “a cherished husband, father and grandfather” and “one of the greatest drummers of his generation”.
The statement added: “We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”
Watts joined The Rolling Stones in January 1963, when he joined Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones in their fledgling group.
On August 4, Watts abruptly withdrew from the Stones’ upcoming pandemic-postponed U.S. tour, citing the need to recover from an unspecified but “successful” recent medical procedure.
A spokesperson said, “Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful, but I gather his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation. 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.”
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