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Tributes pour in for Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts

Updated / Wednesday, 25 Aug 2021 07:40
Charlie Watts: "one of the greatest drummers of his generation."
Charlie Watts: "one of the greatest drummers of his generation."

The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ringo Starr, and The Who have led tributes to drummer Charlie Watts, who has died aged 80.

The Stones, the band Watts joined in 1963, expressed "immense sadness" at his passing and remembered him as "one of the greatest drummers of his generation."

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards also shared poignant tributes to their bandmate of almost 60 years.

Jagger shared a picture of Watts smiling while seated behind a drumkit. The Rolling Stones frontman, 78, did not add a caption.

In his tribute, Richards, 77, posted a picture of Watts's drumkit with a "closed" sign hung on it.

He too did not include a caption.

Elton John called Watts, "the ultimate drummer.", adding that the Stones man was "The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company."

The Who, who emerged from the same London scene in the sixties as the Stones, tweeted a photo of Watts on their official account.

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr wrote, "God bless Charlie Watts we're going to miss you man peace and love to the family," and followed with a second post with just a photo of himself and Watts chatting.

Nile Rodgers of Chic tweeted, "Rest In Power #CharlieWatts RIP. You are a smooth brother. Thanks for all the great music."

Bryan Adams hailed Watts as "one of the greatest rock drummers ever and a real gentleman" as he extended his sympathies to Watts' family and the band.

Beatles star Paul McCartney described Watts as a "fantastic drummer, steady as a rock".

Queen drummer Roger Taylor said on Instagram: "How sad, we've lost a true gentleman. The immaculate beating heart of the Rolling Stones."

Johnny Marr, guitarist and former member of The Smiths, praised Watts for his behaviour on and off stage.

He wrote on Twitter: "Aside from being a unique musician Charlie Watts managed to remain completely classy throughout the whole of the Rolling Stones career. Quite an achievement."

Rocker Alice Cooper also paid tribute, saying the music world had lost "one of rock and roll's true gentlemen".

He added: "Charlie Watts kept the beat for the world’s greatest rock band for over 50 years. I consider him the greatest pocket drummer of all time.

"Every time I would go backstage to see The Rolling Stones, Charlie was the first to greet me. He will be sorely missed and impossible to replace but I’ve no doubt The Stones will go on. My message to Charlie? Rest In Beat!"

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