Charlie Watts in 2016. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Charlie Watts, drummer for The Rolling Stones, has passed away at age 80. Watts first joined the band in 1963 and performed with them up until his passing, garnering acclaim as one of the most influential and acclaimed drummers in rock music.
His death was confirmed by a publicist in a statement to Stereogum. “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.”
Drawn to drums by a love of jazz, Watts performed in groups around London and worked as a graphic designer before joining The Rolling Stones in 1963. While it was his work with the Rolling Stones that brought him worldwide success, Watts never abandoned his roots, performing jazz with The Charlie Watts Quintet. "I was always brought up under the theory that the drummer is an accompaniest," Watts said in a 2008 interview. "I prefer drummers playing with a band."
Earlier this month, Watts pulled out of an upcoming North American tour with the Stones after a medical procedure. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2004 and successfully beat it back after a series of operations and procedures.
