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The Rolling Stones dedicated their first concert of 2021 to the band’s late drummer Charlie Watts after his death last month.
The rockers performed a warm-up concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts on Monday ahead of their 13-date No Filter tour of the United States, which kicks off in St. Louis on September 26.
Sir Mick Jagger, who was joined by fellow students Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards, told the crowd of 300 that they “missed Charlie so much” after he died on Tuesday August 24 at the age of 80.
Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones performs during the concert of their 2017 ‘No Filter’ European tour. Photo: AP
He said: “This is the first show on our 2021 tour, so this is it, this is a try.
“I have to say though at this point it’s a bit poignant night for us because it’s our first tour in 59 years that we’ve done without our lovely Charlie Watts. And we miss Charlie so much.
“We miss him as a band, we miss him as a friend on and off the stage and we have so many memories of Charlie – and I’m sure some of you who’ve seen us before have too. memories of Charlie.
“I hope you will remember him as we do, so we would like to dedicate this show to Charlie.”
He then toasted his former bandmate by raising a bottle of beer in the air and shouting, “To Charlie!
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Mick Jagger, with his comrades Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, paid tribute to their late colleague Charlie Watts
Jagger seemed to choke on his way up and down the stage and asked, “What are we going to do now, now I’m all emotional?”
Wood added, “Charlie, we pray for you, man, and play for you.”
The band performed 15 songs during their show, including hits Let’s Spend the Night Together, Tumbling Dice, 19th Nervous Breakdown and (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.
The rockers were joined by drummer Steve Jordan, who has worked with the band since the 1980s.
Watts, far left, with his groupmates in 2016
He had already been confirmed to replace Watts before the tour began as the drummer recovered from medical intervention.
Watts was diagnosed with throat cancer in June 2004 after discovering a lump on the side of his neck.
He received intensive radiation therapy and was given the green light four months later.
He previously spoke about his illness and said he felt “very lucky” that his cancer was caught early.
Watts’ publicist confirmed his death last month by announcing that he had died in a London hospital “surrounded by family”.
However, the cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.
Charlie Watts in 1964
The statement read: “It is with great 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.
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 ask that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends be respected at this difficult time.”
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