Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer for the Rolling Stones, died in London Tuesday morning. No cause of death was cited; he was 80.
"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," a spokesperson for the band released. "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. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."
Charles Robert "Charlie" Watts was born in Bloomsbury, London, on June 2, 1941, and started drumming around age 13 after he was inspired by a recording of Chico Hamilton playing Gerry Mulligan.
In January 1963, Watts officially joined the Rolling Stones, and his style became an integral element to the Stones' sound. Watts also enjoyed a jazz solo career outside of the Stones, playing alongside longtime Stones pianist Stewart in the band Rocket 88, and releasing several albums with his Charlie Watts Quintet and the 32-piece Charlie Watts Orchestra.
Celebrities and musicians took to social media today to remember the legendary Watts.
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
Paul McCartney shared his warm thoughts and love to the Rolling Stones over Twitter. He described Watts as a "lovely guy," and a "rock."
#God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo 😎✌️🌟❤️🌈🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/3tSFg7EMQG
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 24, 2021
As a fellow rock drummer himself, Ringo Starr couldn't help but admire the talent possessed by Charlie Watts. The Beatles drummer shared a happy picture of the two over social media.
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.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 24, 2021
@therollingstones #CharlieWatts #RIP pic.twitter.com/9rjSSgioZL
Elton John remembers Watts as "the ultimate drummer" and "the most stylish of men."
Happy 80th birthday Charlie! Love Mick pic.twitter.com/tlk8ea6oE3
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) June 2, 2021
Early this June, Watts celebrated his 80th birthday for which his former lead singer Mick Jagger commemorated with a vintage drumming clip on Twitter.
R.I.P. Charlie Watts https://t.co/xIeebKPCUq
— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 24, 2021
Carole King sends peace and love to Watts' family today.
Watts is survived by his wife Shirley, 82, and daughter Seraphina, 53.
