Rock World Pays Tribute to Charlie Watts
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.
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.”
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
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.”
On Facebook, Eric Clapton wrote simply, “Goodnight Sweet Prince….”
From a fellow drummer…
And on the one year anniversary…