Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones, passed away on Tuesday 24 August in London. The news was confirmed by Bernard Doherty, the artist’s agent, in a statement quoted by The Guardian. The group also shared a press note on social media.
The musician, one of the most influential drummers in rock history, recently underwent surgery.
Agent Bernard Doherty said Watts died “peacefully, in a London hospital, surrounded by his family.” “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He died peacefully in a London hospital on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family. Charlie was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a member of the Rolling Stones, one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We ask that the privacy of family, group members and close friends be respected during this difficult time, ”the statement said.
The band announced earlier this month that Watts would not be touring North America as he was recovering from a medical procedure and was replaced by musician Steve Jordan. “Charlie has successfully undergone coronary surgery,” but doctors think the musician needs some rest, said a spokesman for the Rolling Stones drummer earlier this month.
“I don’t have time this time,” the drummer joked in a statement sent two weeks ago. “I work hard to get completely healthy, but it will take some time,” he said. The band decided to replace the drummer with musician Steve Jordan.
The tour, originally scheduled for 2020, has been postponed due to the pandemic. Concerts will begin on September 26 in San Luis, Missouri and wrap up on November 20 in Austin, Texas.
Almost five decades dedicated to the Rolling Stones
Charlie Watts began by studying graphic arts. At the same time, the musician began playing in bars in London, having met other members of the cult British band.
The drummer, who turned 80 in June, has been with the Stones since 1963. Along with singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, Charlie Watts was one of the oldest members of the famous rock band, which also included Mick Taylor, Ronnie Wood and Bill Wyman.
Apart from Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Charlie Watts was the only member to appear on all of the band’s studio albums.
Charlie Watts also participated in the last Rolling Stones concert, which took place before the COVID-19 pandemic on August 30, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Throughout his career, the musician has also toured with his jazz band Charlie Watts Quintet.
Battery was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2004 and received treatment.
