Terrible news for the rock world today, as Charlie Watts, drummer for legendary rock band The Rolling Stones, has died. He was 80 years old.
As reported by Consequence of Sound, Watts’ death was announced by his publicist, Bernard Doherty, who said in a statement, “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.”
According to Doherty, Watts “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.”
Though not the Stones’ founding drummer, Watts has been the band’s percussionist through the majority of their career and is considered one of rock’s most legendary percussionist. He joined the band in 1963 and has not left since; the only members who have been in the band as long as him are frontman Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards.
The Pit sends their heart out to all of Watts’ family, friends, fans and collaborators during this difficult time. More on this story as it unfolds.
The Rolling Stones are currently booked on a tour for later this year. How this will affect their plans remains to be seen.
September 26 – St. Louis, MO @ The Dome at America’s Center
September 30 – Charlotte, NC @ Bank Of America Stadium
October 4 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Heinz Field
October 9 – Nashville, TN @ Nissan Stadium
October 13 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
October 17 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium
October 24 – Minneapolis, MN @ U.S. Bank Stadium
October 29 – Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
November 2 – Dallas, TX @ Cotton Bowl Stadium
November 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
November 11 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
November 15 – Detroit, MI @ Ford Field
November 20 – Austin, TX @ Circuit of The Americas
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Words by Chris Krovatin
