Musicians Pay Tribute to Charlie Watts

Charlie Watts, drummer and the rhythmic heartbeat of the Rolling Stones, has died. He was 80.

Watts’ London publicist, Bernard Doherty, released the following statement today:

“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.”

pic.twitter.com/wi6333F6QF

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021

Earlier this month Watts had announced he was not going to join his bandmates for their 2021 tour, citing health reasons.

Read more about Charlie Watts on NPR Music.

Charlie Watts Tributes

Tributes have been rolling in, and you can read a handful below.

Thank you Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TrNkGErGwb

— Valerie June (@TheValerieJune) August 24, 2021

Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/aasPZ2fMYX

— Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (@joanjett) August 24, 2021

Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021

Aside from being a unique musician Charlie Watts managed to remain completely classy throughout the whole of the Rolling Stones career. Quite an achievement. #charliewatts

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) August 24, 2021

#RestInBeats #CharlieWatts -session invited by the great ⁦@bernardfowler⁩ ⁦@RollingStones⁩ rehearsing 3 hrs of #StickyFingers for concerts.Mick pulled out the the salt & started his dance even. Mr CW finished a roll & pointed his sticks at me!?-I was like Who me?Wtf! pic.twitter.com/S3rg5vYe7Q

— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) August 24, 2021

Devastating news , those in the know know he was the heart & soul of the band …. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting him a few times, a total gentleman… it goes without saying he will be sorely missed .. RIP Charlie ❤️ -Joe Elliott@RollingStones #CharlieWatts https://t.co/AEpHjUNPHh

— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) August 24, 2021

Exile On Main Street is a messy rock'n'roll masterpiece. Nothing happened in the studio each night until Charlie found the rhythm to whatever riff Keith was unearthing. Once they locked onto each other, things happened. He was the engine of the Rolling Stones. RIP Charlie Watts

— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) August 24, 2021

thank you Charlie Watts 💔 pic.twitter.com/bKW1CwVGxD

— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) August 24, 2021

good people, we just lost brother charlie, crimony – the stickman w/the beat in his hand, so fuckin rock and roll, most beautiful music man truly – this is a terrible blow… pic.twitter.com/2VHeSuHA2R

— mike watt (@wattfrompedro) August 24, 2021

This is why Charlie Watts is my spirit animal. RIP my good man. pic.twitter.com/exyukPN2j3

— Deke Dickerson (@DekeDickerson) August 24, 2021

So sad to lose a unique, iconic drummer. (and dancer)
He was a quiet gianthttps://t.co/W9QdcJwfur @RollingStones #DOTM #charliewatts #therollingstones #rollingstones

— Stewart Copeland (@copelandmusic) August 24, 2021

pic.twitter.com/hE8FwyQoAW

— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) August 24, 2021

From Queen’s Brian May on Instagram: Charlie was “a pillar of strength for the Rolling Stones – to whom he brought a touch of Jazz and a mountain of pure Class.”