The Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dead at Age 80

Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones for more than 50 years, died on Tuesday at a London hospital. He was 80-years-old. No cause of death has been made public.

Watts’ publicist announced the sad news this afternoon:

“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.”

Earlier this month, the legendary band announced that Watts would not be part of their upcoming U.S. tour, and that Steve Jordan would act as his fill-in. At the time, the band said:

“Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful, but I gather his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation.  With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say no one saw this coming.”

Watts added:

“For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while. After all the fans’ suffering caused by Covid I really do not want the many RS fans who have been holding tickets for this Tour to be disappointed by another postponement or cancellation. I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me.”

In Watts’ honor, the Rolling Stones’ website is currently a photo of the drummer and only a photo of the drummer.

MetalSucks offers its condolensces to Watts’ loved ones. Although the Stones aren’t metal, they have had an immeasurable influence on the genre, and Watts’ absence will surely be deeply, deeply felt.