Earlier this month, Charlie Watts, drummer for The Rolling Stones, had to pull out of the band’s upcoming tour following a medical procedure. At the time, a statement from the band representative indicated that Watts’ break was about getting “proper rest and recuperation,” but between then and now, it seems thing took a turn: It was announced today that Watts is dead at 80 years old.
Following the news, folks in the music world shared their thoughts about Watts. Elton John pointed out Watts’ sense of style, writing, “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.”
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.
@therollingstones #CharlieWatts #RIP pic.twitter.com/9rjSSgioZL
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 24, 2021
Paul McCartney shared a video of himself briefly speaking about Watts, complimenting his drumming abilities and giving his condolences.
Paul on Charlie Watts pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine also tweeted, “Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love.” Questlove also shared, “The heartbeat of Rock & Roll. The Great Charlie Watts. all due respect.”
Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love. pic.twitter.com/xEfzaSLCba
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) August 24, 2021
Ringo Starr posted a photo of himself with Watts and wrote, “#God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo.”
#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
Check out some more reactions below.
So sad to hear Charlie Watts is gone. I learned how to play drums rocking out to Stones albums. RIP Charlie!
— Garbage (@garbage) August 24, 2021
RIP Charlie Watts https://t.co/2iWBy6aNyV
— KISS (@kiss) August 24, 2021
thank you Charlie Watts pic.twitter.com/bKW1CwVGxD
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) August 24, 2021
from J: Miss you Charlie you’re the best#charliewatts pic.twitter.com/ch9CkhErFJ
— Dinosaur Jr (@dinosaurjr) August 24, 2021
Rest In Power #CharlieWatts RIP. You are a smooth brother. Thanks for all the great music. pic.twitter.com/ePlXpiiqNc
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) August 24, 2021
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies aged 80 https://t.co/LUVShR1yaM via @YahooNews AWFUL NEWS. One of the true timeless icons and the backbone of the Stones. Hard to fathom the loss. So very sad.
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) August 24, 2021
Charlie’s drumming is powerful and unique. His approach is entirely his own and helped shape the sound of rock and roll. Blessings Charlie Watts.
— Robbie Robertson (@r0bbier0berts0n) August 24, 2021
A hero is gone. No words. A huge gaping hole in the universe.
RIP Charlie Watts. https://t.co/kLSaIF9JKn
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) August 24, 2021
RIP CHARLIE WATTS
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 24, 2021