Earlier today, the Rolling Stones’ iconic drummer, Charlie Watts, died at the age of 80. Despite the fact that he had already announced that he would not play on the Stones' upcoming tour, the news still came as a shock to fans of Watts and the Stones. Here are just some reactions from his famous fans and peers.
Ringo Starr:
#God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo 😎✌️🌟❤️🌈🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/3tSFg7EMQG
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 24, 2021Brian Wilson:
https://twitter.com/BrianWilsonLive/status/1430220368971710465
Perry Farrell:
Drummers are the most ensnared individuals. Though they are loudest, they are the last to be heard. They have insecurities due to the fact that everyone has their back turned on them. Herein lies the band’s secret; there is no greatness- without a great drummer. RIP Charlie Watts pic.twitter.com/sAcE7SYiBY
— Perry Farrell (@perryfarrell) August 24, 2021Garbage:
There goes a hero. 🖤
— Garbage (@garbage) August 24, 2021
Dear Charlie Watts. What a legend. Sad to see him go. pic.twitter.com/jYmEJlFnZ7Robbie Robertson of the Band:
Charlie’s drumming is powerful and unique. His approach is entirely his own and helped shape the sound of rock and roll. Blessings Charlie Watts.
— Robbie Robertson (@r0bbier0berts0n) August 24, 2021Joan Jett:
Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed - no more - no less. He is one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/aasPZ2fMYX
— Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (@joanjett) August 24, 2021Susanna Hoffs:
Peace and love, Charlie Watts. 💔 pic.twitter.com/SSc7s3Qf9w
— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) August 24, 2021Paul McCartney:
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021John Fogerty:
I first saw The @RollingStones in 1966 in the Bay Area and have been a fan ever since. Charlie Watts was one of the great drummers and will be missed. Rest easy Charlie pic.twitter.com/FQKOXiSUpG
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) August 24, 2021Living Colour:
We are deeply saddened about the news of Charlie Watts passing! https://t.co/u9r7fnPVJa the Living Colour family sends our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans. We are grateful for your friendship and advice throughout the years. Rest peacefully old friend! ✌🏿❤️🙏🏿
— Living Colour (@LivingColour) August 24, 2021Bootsy Collins:
We just lost another Great one, Mr. Charlie Watts! Prayer going out & up for his family & friends. Details here:https://t.co/44axXfEpgD (Thxs Charlie for ur Gifts to this world. R.I.P.🙏🙏🙏 Bootsy baby!!!🤘 @RollingStones @MickJagger @officialKeef
— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) August 24, 2021Duran Duran:
So saddened to hear about the passing of Charlie Watts . An absolute inspiration to a legion of drummers since the 1960’s. A man of grace , style , dignity and composure . pic.twitter.com/Nu4msDShAF
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) August 24, 2021Michael Des Barres:
The debonair brilliance, the rhythm of the @RollingStones The solid space of his taste & touch will remain unparalleled in the history of Rock & Roll drummers.“Charlie’s good tonight isn’t he!” RIP pic.twitter.com/cp3osa6hTV
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) August 24, 2021Rick Astley:
Such sad news about Charlie Watts.
— Rick Astley (@rickastley) August 24, 2021
A true original icon - Rick x #charliewatts pic.twitter.com/zrA3k1XQDhElton John:
A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 24, 2021
@therollingstones #CharlieWatts #RIP pic.twitter.com/9rjSSgioZLBrian May:
“Sad sad news in the passing of Charlie Watts. Oh Lord. Deepest sympathies to his family – and to Keith, Mick and Ronnie to whom he was certainly beloved family. First picture is as I remember him, smiling and calm – from the Rolling Stones Facebook page. The second picture here is from a session I did with Charlie some@years ago – the song was “Reaching Out” – with Paul Rodgers on vocal, Andy Fairweather-Lowe on rhythm guitar and myself on electric guitar. It was a lovely moment. For some people this might be a cliché – but in Charlie’s case it’s the absolute truth – he was the nicest gent you could ever meet. And such a pillar of strength for the Rolling Stones – to whom he brought a touch of Jazz and a mountain of pure Class. Bless you Charlie. Rest in Peace and Rock on. “
Tony Iommi:
“So sorry to hear the very sad news of Charlie Watts passing. He was such a nice guy and a major influence in the music business – he’ll be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and to Mick, Ronnie, Keith and all his friends and fans. R.I.P.”
Nikki Sixx:
“This one hurts. To me he was the backbone to the world greatest rock n roll band. Such flair and always a gentleman.”
Lars Ulrich:
“Charlie…
Thank you for paving the way.
Thank you for setting the standard.
Thank you for making it swing.
Thank you for being cool as fuck.
Thank you for literally inspiring every single rock ‘n’ roll drummer on this planet.”The Go-Go's:
An unforgettable moment was us opening for The @RollingStones back in 1981. Charlie will be missed! Rest in peace to a rock legend ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ip5PQnCkRE
— The Go-Go's (@officialgogos) August 24, 2021Nickelback:
“Saddened to hear about Charlie Watts. For those of us that love music, we’ve lost one of the true pioneers of rock-n-roll. A consummate performer and an even better human. There’s so much to say about Charlie, but for now we will listen to the gift he gave us all – his music.”
Scorpions:
“Another very sad Day in the World of Music …. Just learned about the passing of Charlie Watts the legendary Drummer of the Rolling Stones … our deep Condolences go out to Charlie‘s Family and his bandmates …. RIP Charlie.”
