Musicians Condolences On The Passing Of Charlie Watts
JAKARTA - The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts passed away on Tuesday, August 24, United States time. This news was announced days after he opted out of the band's US tour.
Initially, Watts was scheduled to join The Rolling Stones 2021 tour series in the United States. Unfortunately he resigned without explaining the specific reasons regarding his health condition.
The Rolling Stones also refused to tell Watts' condition and only asked fans to wish him the best.
A few weeks later, a Watts representative stated, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Charlie Watts. He left peacefully in a London hospital today surrounded by his family," the band said in a statement on social media.
The family asked for privacy regarding close friends and band members who were grieving. They did not mention the reason for Charlie Watts' departure.
Charlie Watts is the longest-serving member of The Rolling Stones since 1963. He remained with him until the 2016 album, Blue & Lonesome.
Born on June 2, 1941, Charlie Watts was involved in several musical projects outside of The Rolling Stones. In addition to rock, Watts deepened the jazz genre by playing with Ian Stewart for the band Rocket 88, making the Charlie Watts Quintet, and drawing comic strips for Charlie Parker.
The departure of Charlie Watts has left a deep sadness for his fellow rock musicians. They wrote their condolences and shared a few memories with Watts.
Paul McCartney said, “I knew he was unwell but didn't know he was that sick. He also described Watts as, "A fantastic drummer - like a rock."
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
McCartney's bandmate in The Beatles, Ringo Starr wrote, "God bless Charlie Watts we will miss you."
#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
Elton John said, “What a sad day. Charlie Watts is a great drummer. Coolest guy and brilliant friend. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte."
A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such a 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
Musician Nile Rodgers co-wrote, “Rest in the power of #CharlieWatts. Thank you for all the good music.”
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
Blondie posted a photo of the drum set with the caption, “Good luck, Charlie.” Likewise with Joan Jett, Lenny Kravitz, Brian Wilson, and Duran Duran.
Godspeed, Charlie. pic.twitter.com/5QOEDCvCKJ
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) August 24, 2021
Watts' bandmates in The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards did not put any words in their posts. Jagger just uploaded a photo of Watts laughing while Richards shared a photo of a drum set with a hanger that reads "Closed."
Charlie Watts died at the age of 80.
pic.twitter.com/MrPpJI0Hxd
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 24, 2021