Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at age 80

LONDON, Aug. 24 (Reuters) – Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died in a London hospital surrounded by his family at the age of 80, his spokesperson said on Tuesday.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier in the day surrounded by his family,” the spokesperson said.

“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.”

Born in London in 1941, Watts began playing drums at London rhythm and blues clubs in the early 1960s, before agreeing to partner with Brian Jones, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in their fledgling band. , The Rolling Stones, in January 1963.

Having enjoyed early success in Great Britain and the United States with covers, the band gained worldwide fame with hits written by Jagger-Richards including “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “Get Off of My Cloud “and” Paint It, Black “. , and the album “Aftermath”.

Watts left the hell that defined the band in the ’60s and’ 70s to the rest of the members.

On stage, he was also happy to leave the flamboyance to Jagger and the others while anchoring the performance with a sense of calm.

Reporting by Kate Holton and Michael Holden

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