Charlie Watts, the drummer for the famous rock band the Rolling Stones, passed away at 80 years old on August 24 after almost 60 years of playing music with the group. Charlie was loved by many, and when people heard the sad news, his bandmates, other musicians, and fans shared kind words and memories about him on social media.
Charlie was a quiet member of the Rolling Stones, a band known for its wild and exciting music. Even though he was a big star, he cared most about being a good husband to his wife, Shirley, and a loving dad to his daughter, Seraphina, and granddad to his granddaughter, Charlotte. They were married for 57 years.
Elton John, a famous singer, wrote on Twitter, “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.”
Ringo Starr, the drummer from the Beatles, said goodbye by sharing an old picture of him and Charlie holding a drumstick together. He wrote, “God bless Charlie Watts, we’re going to miss you man, peace and love to the family, Ringo.”
Paul McCartney, another Beatle, made a video saying nice things about Charlie. He called him a “fantastic drummer” and said he was “steady as a rock.”
Joan Baez, a singer from the same time as the Rolling Stones, shared a picture she painted of Charlie in 2020. She said, “Charlie Watts. A prince among thieves. A gentleman through and through. Rest in peace.”
Questlove, a drummer from the band the Roots, posted a picture of young Charlie and called him “The heartbeat of Rock & Roll.”
Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones and Charlie’s longtime friend, shared a happy photo of Charlie sitting behind his drums. The picture shows how much Charlie loved playing music and how important he was to the band.
Keith Richards, the guitarist, posted a quiet picture of Charlie’s drum set with a “closed” sign on it. Charlie was in the band almost as long as Mick and Keith, and without him, the Rolling Stones won’t sound the same.
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
Ronnie Wood, who joined the band in 1975, wrote a short note with a photo of him and Charlie. He said, “I love you my fellow Gemini—I will dearly miss you—you are the best.”
Charlie Watts was a special drummer who helped make the Rolling Stones one of the greatest bands ever. His family, friends, and fans will miss him a lot.
