Topline
Other iconic musicians in the music industry shared their sorrow with Charlie Watts, the long-time drummer for the Rolling Stones, after his publicist announced his death at the age of 80.
Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts join Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones, at a private... [+] viewing of The Rolling Stones Exhibitionism at The Saatchi Gallery, April 4, 2016, London, England. getty
The Key Facts
Paul McCartney, a fellow Brit, posted a video in which he sent condolences for Watts' family and bandmates. He described Watts as steady and a rock, and said that Watts was a great drummer. Elton John also shared a photo of Watts with himself, and wrote that Watts was his best friend. Ringo Starr sent a message of condolences to Watts' family along with a photo of them playing with a drumstick. Joe Elliot, lead singer of Def Leppard, said in a statement that Watts was known as the heart and soul of the band. She also tweeted Tuesday that Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He was able to play exactly what is needed. Lenny Kravitz (American singer-songwriter who wrote about Watts' long and distinguished career) said that there are no words. Every groove speaks for itself.
Important Background
The drummer's publicist Tuesday said that Watts passed away peacefully in a London hospital, surrounded by his family. He was a drummer in the Rolling Stones, which is a British rock group that also includes Keith Richards and Brian Jones. The three men met at a London blues club as young men, and they recorded and toured together for over 50 years. Watts also founded his own band, the Charlie Watts Quintet.
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Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dead At 80 (Forbes)
