Charlie Watts, Iconic Rolling Stones Drummer, Dies at 80
Charlie Watts, the iconic drummer for the Rolling Stones, has died. He was 80.
Watts’ death was confirmed by a spokesperson in a statement to the press which reads, “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.”
The statement continued, “Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also a member of the Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation.”
It concluded, “We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021
Watts joined the Rolling Stones in 1963 and played on all 30 of their studio albums. Earlier this month, the Stones announced Watts would be sitting out their upcoming United States tour citing an undisclosed medical issue. Up until then, he hadn’t missed a single performance since joining the band.
