Born on June 2, 1941, in Kingsbury, northwest of London, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, has died today, August 24, 2021, 80 years old in a hospital in London surrounded by his family. He was the heartbeat of The Rolling Stones.
So sad to hear from Charlie Watts‘ passing away. An emergency operation in June and missing the Rolling Stones next tour were signs of bad things coming. Since 1963 he was not only the drummer and time keeper, but also the heart of the Rolling Stones. And there’s no doubt about it that he also was the coolest and most stylish of the Stones. And he was a real British gentleman in its truest sense. I wonder if the other Stones who outlived him will continue without him. Maybe they shouldn’t. Charlie Watts’ opening drum beats in Get Off Of My Cloud are one of the most exciting and most memorable drum beats in the history of pop and rock music. So it’s sheerly incredible that Charlie Watts’ beat has stopped now. May he drum forever – anywhere, anytime.
PS.: In the meantime the seemingly indestructible Rolling Stones really started their North American without Charlie Watts. Will they ever be the same without him? I do dare to doubt it.
The brilliant Charlie Watts drumming pics (c) shot by my dear friend Norbert Mottas. Thanks a lot, Norbert!
Klaus Winningers Beat 