Earlier this week, Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones passed away at 80 years old. A statement published on the band’s official Twitter stated that he “passed away peacefully in a London hospital […] surrounded by his family.”

 

 

In the days since, artists from all over the world and of many different genres have paid tribute to Watts and shared their condolences.  Sir Paul McCartney was one of the first to respond, posting a video where he spoke of his relationship with Charlie and his incredible career.

 

 

Patrick Carney of The Black Keys spoke about being asked to join the Stones on stage during their 2012 50th anniversary tour in a post by Rolling Stone Magazine. He called Charlie “the coolest dude to play rock and roll.” Lars Ulrich of Metallica also spoke with the publication about the impact that Watts had on his career, saying that “Charlie has always been the driving force,” of The Rolling Stones.

 

Before Watts’ passing, the band had announced that he would be unable to join them on their 2021 No Filter tour after a successful medical procedure and would instead be staying home to rest and recuperate. The band has since announced that they will not postpone the tour that is set to kick off September 26th. The absence of Charlie Watts will surely be felt by the band, who posted their own touching tributes to him on their individual social media.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bill Wyman (@bill_wyman_official)

 

 

 

Filed under: Black Keys, charlie-watts, Paul McCartney, rolling stones