With news of the passing, on August 24, 2021, of the Rolling Stones’ drumming legend, Charlie Watts, tributes began pouring in from fellow musicians and entertainers. News of Watts’ death at age 80 was announced by the Rolling Stones that day at 12:45 p.m. ET.
Later that day, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood posted photos in tribute to their beloved bandmate. On Aug. 27, the Stones shared a two-minute tribute clip that was both warm-hearted and comical.
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 27, 2021
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 24, 2021
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) August 24, 2021
I love you my fellow Gemini ~ I will dearly miss you ~ you are the best🙏❤️☀️ pic.twitter.com/aMYTGWikxB
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) August 25, 2021
Chuck Leavell, who has served as the Stones’ de factor music director and touring keyboardist since 1982, wrote, “We are all shocked and devastated to lose Charlie. I feel broken. There has been no man finer, more elegant and more beautiful to walk the Earth than Charlie Watts. All Class. As a musician, his timing and beat were impeccable, his touch delicate yet so powerful. His sense of what and what not to play was unsurpassed. It has been the honor of my life to have played with him over the last 40 years, and to have called him a friend. My heart goes out to his beautiful family.”
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
#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
I’m just shocked to hear about Charlie Watts. I don’t know what to say, I feel terrible for Charlie’s family. Charlie was a great drummer and I loved the Stones music, they made great records. Love & Mercy. pic.twitter.com/C4q2zXvVKo
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 24, 2021
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
The Who’s Roger Daltrey wrote, “Charlie was a truly great drummer, whose musical knowledge of drumming technique, from jazz to the blues, was, I’m sure, the heartbeat that made the Rolling Stones the best rock and roll band in the world.”
Pete Townshend shared two stories, one that displays the tender side of Watts. At Keith [Moon]’s funeral Charlie surprised me by openly weeping, and I remember wishing I could wear my heart on my sleeve like that. I was tightened up like a snare drum myself.”
I first saw The @RollingStones in 1966 in the Bay Area and have been a fan ever since. Charlie Watts was one of the great drummers and will be missed. Rest easy Charlie pic.twitter.com/FQKOXiSUpG
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) August 24, 2021
On Facebook, Eric Clapton wrote simply, “Goodnight Sweet Prince….”
From a fellow drummer…
A monumentally sad day learning my personal hero Charlie Watts has died. I’m devastated and my soul aches for Shirley, Serafina, the extended Watts family, and of course his band mates. I don’t know what to say really. Charlie Watts Rest In Peace my friend…
— Max Weinberg (@EStreetMax) August 24, 2021
Saddened by the loss of Charlie Watts. A kind and gentle man. He will be very missed.
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) August 24, 2021
“I wanted to play drums because I fell in love with the glitter and the lights, but it wasn’t about adulation. It was being up there playing.”
Remembering Charlie Watts — one of the greatest rock & roll drummers of all time. pic.twitter.com/24G42oMymb
— Abbey Road Studios (@AbbeyRoad) August 24, 2021
In 2020 I painted his portrait as part of a series on my musician friends.
Charlie Watts.
A prince among thieves.
A gentleman through and through.
Rest in Peace. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WO2H3ArDDo— Joan Baez (@joancbaez) August 24, 2021
“So sad to hear the news of the loss of legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. His unforgettable rock solid backbeat will be remembered forever. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.” pic.twitter.com/k3TBCjMdZW
— Bob Seger (@BobSeger) August 24, 2021
And on the one year anniversary…
One year on without our beloved Charlie 💔
Remembering him and all the incredible things he achieved in his life. pic.twitter.com/nG6oWyx1N4— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2022
Thinking of Charlie today 💙 pic.twitter.com/zkP5CwZthe
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 24, 2022
Charlie Watts, I miss you Mate!🙏Sending love to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte.
One love, Keith pic.twitter.com/DT6oVkJgL1— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) August 24, 2022
6 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationTime for you to listen & lead the greatest RnR band in heaven Charlie. One day I will have that pleasure
God bless you, Charlie. Always the driving beat in the marvellous Rolling Stones.
R. I. P.
When I heard the news I went to my Slingerland kit and played and played. Thank you Charlie for sharing your gift with the world. Your music has meant so much to me.
Charlie Watts: The drivetrain behind the world’s greatest rock’n’roll band.
Rest in the groove, eternally, Charlie.
He was the Monkey Grease to the worlds greatest rock and roll band.A groovy cat indeed!
I have Commented Earlier to the Sad News of Charlie Watts Passing. RIP Dear Charlie…
I wanted to COMMENT Again about a U.S. TV Interview (1993) I came across of Charlie Watts on “LATER” with Bob Costas Show (Matt Lauer Interviewed). This is a Very Insightful Interview with *CHARLIE*. The Complete Interview on YOUTUBE… I am sure you will ENJOY as much as I did…