Charlie Watts, the founding drummer for The Rolling Stones who played with the iconic band for more than half a century, has passed away, according to a statement from his publicist. He was 80 years old.
“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 was reported earlier this month that Watts was going to miss The Stones’ upcoming rescheduled No Filter tour as he recovered from an unspecified surgery. The band announced that Steve Jordan (X-Pensive Winos, John Mayer) would fill in for him on the North American tour, scheduled to begin September 26th at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO.
“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 statement continued.
Watts joined Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones to form The Rolling Stones in 1963 and remained in the group until his death. He had been previously treated for throat cancer in 2004, though no cause of death was given with Tuesday’s announcement.
“We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this time,” the statement concludes.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 24, 2021
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) August 24, 2021
I love you my fellow Gemini ~ I will dearly miss you ~ you are the best
pic.twitter.com/aMYTGWikxB
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) August 25, 2021
Rest in sweet peace #CharlieWatts My deepest condolences to The Watts Family, The Shepherd Family, The Rolling Stones Family &friends,&all who have been touched by his gifts to this world(I sadly embrace the circle of life. it’s my heart that’s slow to let go
— Lisa Fischer (@lisafischersing) August 25, 2021
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