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Charlie Watts, the self-effacing and unshakeable Rolling Stones drummer who helped anchor one of rock’s greatest rhythm sections and used his “day job” to support his enduring love of jazz, has died, according to his publicist. He was 80. 
Bernard Doherty said Tuesday that Watts “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.
Watts’ speed, power and time keeping were never better showcased than during the concert documentary, “Shine a Light,” when director Martin Scorsese filmed “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” from where he drummed toward the back of the stage.
One of my favorite anecdotes concerning Watts involved a blow-up between him and frontman, Mich Jagger. While being interviewed, a journalist had asked the group about the possibility of their ever breaking up. In response to Watts' reply, Mick stated, "Why should it matter to you? You're just the drummer." Watts was quietly fuming when he returned to his hotel room. Later that night, Jagger drunkenly called Watts and yelled, "Where's my drummer?!" Charlie calmly showered, shaved, and put on a stylish suit." He then went down to the room where Jagger and Keith Richards were at. When Jagger opened the door, Watts clocked him good, turned and went back to his room.
“Every band I’d ever been in had lasted a week,” he said. “I always thought the Stones would last a week, then a fortnight, and then suddenly, it’s 30 years.”
It lasted nearly 60 years for Watts.
RIP
Bernard Doherty said Tuesday that Watts “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.
Watts’ speed, power and time keeping were never better showcased than during the concert documentary, “Shine a Light,” when director Martin Scorsese filmed “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” from where he drummed toward the back of the stage.
One of my favorite anecdotes concerning Watts involved a blow-up between him and frontman, Mich Jagger. While being interviewed, a journalist had asked the group about the possibility of their ever breaking up. In response to Watts' reply, Mick stated, "Why should it matter to you? You're just the drummer." Watts was quietly fuming when he returned to his hotel room. Later that night, Jagger drunkenly called Watts and yelled, "Where's my drummer?!" Charlie calmly showered, shaved, and put on a stylish suit." He then went down to the room where Jagger and Keith Richards were at. When Jagger opened the door, Watts clocked him good, turned and went back to his room.
“Every band I’d ever been in had lasted a week,” he said. “I always thought the Stones would last a week, then a fortnight, and then suddenly, it’s 30 years.”
It lasted nearly 60 years for Watts.
RIP
