Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones Drummer, Dies at 80

Chris MorrisTue., August 24, 2021, 9:36 a.m.·9 min readDrummer Charlie Watts, whose adept, powerful skin work propelled the Rolling Stones for more than half a century, has died, according to his rep. He was 80.In August 2021, the drummer abruptly withdrew from the Stones’ pandemic-postponed tour, citing the need to recover from a recent medical procedure; a statement from the band said that Watts had selected Steve Jordan, a longtime member of guitarist Keith Richards’ group the X-Pensive Winos, to replace him.More from VarietyRolling Stones Unveil ‘Tattoo You’ 40th Anniversary Edition, With Bonus Tracks and Live AlbumRolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Is ‘Unlikely’ to Join Group’s 2021 U.S. TourRolling Stones Unveil Rescheduled U.S. Tour Dates for This FallIn a famous ad lib – captured at Madison Square Garden in 1969, and heard on the Stones’ live album “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out” – vocalist Mick Jagger asks the crowd, “Charlie’s good tonight, in’ne?” Fans and observers alike considered Watts more than good – he was held as one of the greatest rock drummers of his era, and of all time.The wiry, basset-faced musician was a jazz-schooled player who came to the Stones through London’s “trad” scene of the early ‘60s. He was the missing piece in the group’s early lineup, joining in January 1963; with Jagger and Keith Richards, he remained a constant with “the World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band” on record and on stage for more than 50 years.He provided nimble, energetic support on the band’s long run of dirty, blues- and R&B-based hits of the early and mid-‘60s. He reached the pinnacle of his prowess on a series of mature recordings, made with producer Jimmy Miller in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, in which his sharp playing caromed off Richards’ serrated guitar riffs.In the 2003 oral history “According to the Rolling Stones,” Richards said, “To have a drummer from the beginning who could play with the sensibility of Charlie Watts is one of the best hidden assets I’ve had, because I never had to think about the drummer and what he’s going to do. I just say, ‘Charlie, it goes like this,’ and we’ll kick it around a bit and it’s done. I can throw him ideas and I never have to worry about the beat…It’s a blessing.”

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