Charlie Watts is dead: the Rolling Stones drummer's career in pictures

Enlarge image

1/8

Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones, has died at the age of 80.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts.

He passed away peacefully today in a London hospital with his family, ”said his spokesman.

Photo: HAYOUNG JEON / EPA

Enlarge image

2/8

Until the very end, Watts was on stage with the Stones.

However, he had to cancel the upcoming US tour because he was recovering from an operation.

For the upcoming 60th band anniversary, he actually wanted to be fit again.

Photo: SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP

Enlarge image

3/8

On July 12, 1962, the Stones first appeared in the legendary London Marquee Club and six months later Watts (bottom left) also joined the band.

In 1964 the band looked like in the photo.

After Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Watts was the most senior member of the band.

Photo:

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

4/8

Unlike singer Mick Jagger (left), for example, Watts (right) liked to stay in the background.

But he too did drugs and was addicted to alcohol in the 1980s.

But he got rid of the addiction later.

Photo: A0001 UPI / dpa

Enlarge image

5/8

The drummer was considered one of the best-dressed rock stars.

Here you can see how he lived up to this reputation.

Photo: Victoria Will / AP

6/8

Born on June 2, 1941 in London, Watts discovered his love for jazz and blues at an early age.

He made his first drum kit from an old banjo - it was the beginning of a decade-long career with various jazz formations and the Rolling Stones.

At a concert in London he performed behind Keith Richards (left) with professional drums.

Photo: TOBY MELVILLE / REUTERS

Enlarge image

7/8

The Stones became famous through songs like "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" or "Get Off of My Cloud".

The band would have had the luck and the money to be able to spend a lot of time in the studio, Watts later told the Telegraph.

The group could therefore have tried a lot.

Watts' spokesman ennobled him after his death on Tuesday as "one of the greatest drummers of his generation."

Photo: MARK SELIGER / AP

Enlarge image

8/8

After every tour he tries to withdraw, Watts told the Times.

He was 75 years old at the time.

Keith Richards then asked him what he would do then.

“I don't know, mowing the lawn?

So I'm not retiring, ”said Watts.

Charlie Watts died on August 24, 2021 with his family.

Photo: ENNIO LEANZA / EPA

ptz / dpa