The death of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts led to an outpouring of love and praise from fellow rock and roll greats, who remembered the musician for his unmatched talent.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood all remembered their bandmate on social media, with the Rolling Stones‘ website paying tribute with a photo of Watts.
Joan Jett posted a throwback black-and-white photo of Watts with the caption, “Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind.”
Paul McCartney shared a video honoring Watts for his personality and talent. “So sad to hear about Charlie Watts, Stones drummer, dying. He was a lovely guy and I knew he was ill but I didn’t know he was this ill.” McCartney continued, “So, lots of love to his family, his wife and kids, and his extended family and condolences to the Stones. This’ll be a huge blow to them because Charlie was a rock and a fantastic drummer. Steady as a rock. Anyway, so, love you, Charlie. I’ve always loved you. Beautiful man. And great condolences and sympathies to his family.”
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Watts’ publicist Bernard Doherty said he “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.” The drummer was 80. Watts had previously announced that he would not accompany the Stones on their 2021 tour due to an unspecified health issue. He joined the band in 1963 and stayed with the group for almost 60 years alongside Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Richards posted a picture of a drum set with a “closed” sign hanging from it as a tribute to Watts. Jagger also shared a photograph of Watts playing the drums.
Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, John Oates, and many more also shared their sympathies and memories of Watts.
John posted a picture of him posing with Watts. “A very sad day,” John wrote. “Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.”
Along with a photograph of Watts, Kravitz called him “The beat of The Stones.” He added, “There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself. 6/2/41 – 8/24/21.”
The image Oates posted showed Watts seated behind a drum set, focused on a song. “No matter what song the Stones played…it always had a deep groove…that was Charlie Watts… he will be missed,” Oates wrote on his group’s Twitter account.
Check out what the stars are saying about Watts below.
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
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) August 24, 2021
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/aasPZ2fMYX
— Joan Jett (@joanjett) August 24, 2021
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) 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
#CHARLIEWATTS. The beat of The Stones. There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.
6/2/41 – 8/24/21 pic.twitter.com/Lw2USKaxYH— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 24, 2021
No matter what song the Stones played… it always had a deep groove… that was Charlie Watts…he will be missed. -J.O.
Photo: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/BIGqSxvySE
— Daryl Hall & John Oates (@halloates) 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
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) 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
RIP CHARLIE WATTS
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 24, 2021
Such sad news about Charlie Watts.
A true original icon – Rick x #charliewatts pic.twitter.com/zrA3k1XQDh— Rick Astley (@rickastley) 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
His simple style was a lesson to us all , when we heard Charlie play , we realised there was never a need to over perform , it was all about the groove , serving the band and of course the song.
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) August 24, 2021
Most of all , despite being in the greatest rock and roll band of all time , his self effacing manner and humility was a shining light for all of us in the world to follow..
Thank you Charlie
Roger
x— Duran Duran (@duranduran) August 24, 2021
Another very sad Day in the World of Music …. Just learned about the passing of Charlie Watts the legendary Drummer of the Rolling Stones … our deep Condolences go out to Charlie‘s Family and his bandmates …. RIP Charlie
Scorpions pic.twitter.com/vxzIH9xnzT
— Scorpions (@scorpions) August 24, 2021
Sad to hear of Charlie Watts passing. The Rolling Stones have always been my favorite band, and Charlie was the engine of subltle and heavy grooves. I’ll put on “Sway” which is my favorite song of all time. Any of us in a rock band wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for Charlie. pic.twitter.com/0GsCAIEIO3
— Mike McCready (@MikeMcCreadyPJ) August 24, 2021
An early mentor, a fellow jazz fan, #RIP Charlie Watts. -John Densmore https://t.co/C8x9qMSLbV
— John Densmore (@JohnDensmore) August 24, 2021
Drummers are the most ensnared individuals. Though they are loudest, they are the last to be heard. They have insecurities due to the fact that everyone has their back turned on them. Herein lies the band’s secret; there is no greatness- without a great drummer. RIP Charlie Watts pic.twitter.com/sAcE7SYiBY
— Perry Farrell (@perryfarrell) August 24, 2021
I’ve been listening to Charlie Watts drum since 1964–57 years. Saw him at Foxboro before the pandemic. God, he was so good.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) August 24, 2021
So sorry to hear the very sad news of Charlie Watts passing. He was such a nice guy and a major influence in the music business – he’ll be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and to Mick, Ronnie, Keith and all his friends and fans. R.I.P.
Tony pic.twitter.com/62veFSUjoz
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) August 24, 2021
Saddened to hear about Charlie Watts. For those of us that love music, we’ve lost one of the true pioneers of rock-n-roll. A consummate performer and an even better human. There’s so much to say about Charlie, but for now we will listen to the gift he gave us all – his music. pic.twitter.com/8pNx8ZMzqG
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) August 24, 2021
Aside from being a unique musician Charlie Watts managed to remain completely classy throughout the whole of the Rolling Stones career. Quite an achievement. #charliewatts
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) August 24, 2021
Very sorry to hear of the passing of The RollingStones Drummer Charlie Watts.
My deepest condolences to his family, the band and the fans.
— Axl Rose (@axlrose) 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
RIP Charlie Watts. Forever the coolest. pic.twitter.com/HXlRhWdmyx
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) 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
GOD BLESS CHARLIE WATTS • 1941 – 2O21 • tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/5GwFnpcN3V
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) August 24, 2021
Buddy would like to offer his deepest condolences, his love, and his prayers to the family of Charlie Watts, to Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and to everyone in the Rolling Stones camp. Friends till the end. All our love. ❤️ – Team BG pic.twitter.com/JeKzHxzLph
— Buddy Guy (@TheRealBuddyGuy) August 24, 2021
We couldn’t be more honored to have shared the stage with Charlie Watts and the Stones. One of the best to ever do it. Thank you for the big beat. @RollingStones pic.twitter.com/0svQ3kK7hf
— The Black Keys (@theblackkeys) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts has departed for a solo tour with the Most High . We love you Charlie say hi to Jimi for me.
— Tommy Chong (@tommychong) August 24, 2021
Our prayers and hearts go out to Charlie Watts family, fans and friends. The Rolling Stones drummer played on Satisfaction, Honky Tonk Woman and hundreds more. Rest In Peace, Charlie. https://t.co/TOLLj7jzkc
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) August 24, 2021
And what a great guy.
I thank God I got to jam with this legend. Thank you for the beat Charlie. Rock on in the great hereafter.— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) August 24, 2021
We are extremely saddened to hear the passing of the legendary Charlie Watts. Our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and The Rolling Stones. Sincerely, from the guys in Aerosmith you’ve given us all so much! RIP CHARLIE.
Photo by: Ron Pownall pic.twitter.com/18bAkjhVbG
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) August 24, 2021
Rip / Charlie watts – damn https://t.co/IO0i7o5Epd
— John Cusack (@johncusack) August 24, 2021
Bill: I’m saddened to hear that Charlie Watts has passed away. I was never fortunate enough to have met Charlie, but I have a few dear friends who were friends of his, and all accounts portray Charlie as a kind, caring, good man. Heaven’s band just got a little hipper. pic.twitter.com/jhaHnsqHVr
— Huey Lewis (@HueyLewisNews) August 24, 2021
“Charlie Watts was a colossus in the world of rock ‘n’ roll drumming. His hands and feet danced like Nureyev, so elegant, so graceful…the bedrock of The @RollingStones. Don’t worry Charlie, I’m told there’s rock ‘n’ roll in heaven.” ~MH
📷: Jim Marshall pic.twitter.com/Lige9Xyc12— Mickey Hart (@mickeyhart) August 24, 2021
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Rest in peace, Charlie Watts. Our love and deepest condolences go out to Shirley, Seraphina, Charlotte and all The Rolling Stones family. Love, yoko pic.twitter.com/ePsEnA7Ai6
— Yoko Ono ☁️ (@yokoono) August 25, 2021
It Aint My Fault’s groove was directly inspired by Charlie Watts. What a loss but also what a pleasure to have grown up listening to his infectious personality behind the kit.
— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) August 24, 2021