Legendary Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Passes Away, Age 80

The Rolling Stones' drummer Charlie Watts has passed away, age 80.

The news was confirmed by a spokesperson today saying, "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 as 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."

Born on 2 June 1941 in Bloomsbury, London, Watts started playing drums in 1955 and would go on to join the influential Blues Incorporated in 1962 where he would go on to meet his future The Rolling Stones band members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones, as well as co-founding member Ian Stewart.

Watts would officially join the group in 1963 and would remain an active member through to his death.

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

It was announced last month that Watts would not join the band’s US tour this year following a “completely successful” medical procedure with doctors advising he took time to fully recuperate. It was expected that Watts would return after this period.

Regarded as one of rock’s greatest drummer, Watts was known for his signature jazz influenced style.

The genre would remain a hugely important to Watts throughout this life, even surprising fans at Perth’s Ellington Jazz Club back in 2014 with a surprise performance with The Rolling Stones’ saxophonist Tim Ries.

The influence of The Rolling Stones and Watts is immense.

In their 59 year history, the group have released well over 20 studio albums - starting with 1964’s The Rolling Stones and most recently with 2016’s Blue & Lonesome - and are multi-Grammy Award winners, including being inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame.

The group remain chart mainstays too with 10 UK #1 studio albums and seven here in Australia.

Tributes continue to flow in for Watts today, with The Beatles’ Ringo Starr saying “God bless Charlie Watts, we’re going to miss you man. Peace and love to the family” via Twitter.