Charlie Watts, the longtime drummer for THE ROLLING STONES who sat behind the drum kit since 1963 and never missed a single performance with the band up until earlier this year, has passed away at the age of 80.
Watts had previously overcome throat cancer back in 2004 and was most recently sidelined by an undisclosed medical procedure. This lead to stickman Steve Jordan of Keith Richards‘ side project, THE X-PENSIVE WINOS, to fill Cahrlie’s seat behind the drum kit.
An official statement issued by THE ROLLING STONES on Watts passing today, August 24th 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.
Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation.
We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”