Rock ‘n’ roll has lost one of its famed heroes. Charlie Watts — co-founder, drummer, and “engine room” of The Rolling Stones — has died at the age of 80, his rep confirmed in a statement on Tuesday (Aug. 24). Watts was initially slated to join The Rolling Stones on their 2021 U.S. tour, but backed out to allow himself to recover from an unspecified medical procedure.
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As news of his death spread, musicians and other celebrities have been expressing their sorrow over the iconic rock ‘n’ roll drummer’s death on Twitter, and sharing the impact he’s had on the music industry. “A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer,” Elton John wrote. “The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.”
“Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love,” Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello tweeted, prompting his followers to express their heartbreak at the news in the comments.
See more tributes to Charlie Watts below.
RIP Charlie Watts https://t.co/2iWBy6aNyV
— KISS (@kiss) August 24, 2021
Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love. pic.twitter.com/xEfzaSLCba
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) August 24, 2021
#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, 2021
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.
@therollingstones #CharlieWatts #RIP pic.twitter.com/9rjSSgioZL
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 24, 2021
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones Drummer and Inimitable Backbone, Dead at 80 https://t.co/Bp0I6Dhojj via @RollingStone
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 24, 2021
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 (@joanjett) August 24, 2021
#CHARLIEWATTS. The beat of The Stones. There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.
6/2/41 – 8/24/21 pic.twitter.com/Lw2USKaxYH— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 24, 2021
His pocket in a song was as crisp and tight, as the pocket square in his savile row suits…Rest Easy Legend #CharlieWatts pic.twitter.com/jVOVMldNWu
— Mark McGrath (@mark_mcgrath) August 24, 2021
In total shock Charlie Watts was a lovely guy. He will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathy to his wife, the band and all his family and friends. 1/2 #charliewatts @RollingStones
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) August 24, 2021
RIP Charlie Watts 🌘😞💙 master of elegant simplicity. (Thx @bradwood3 for the CW tutorials and lineage in my songs.) By thy grooves, we knew ye 💔 https://t.co/5iaZ2oSm8T
— Liz Phair (@PhizLair) August 24, 2021
thank you Charlie Watts 💔 pic.twitter.com/bKW1CwVGxD
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) August 24, 2021
Peace and love, Charlie Watts. 💔 pic.twitter.com/SSc7s3Qf9w
— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) August 24, 2021
R.I.P. Charlie Watts https://t.co/xIeebKPCUq
— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/BrianWilsonLive/status/1430220368971710465?s=20
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, 2021
Buddy would like to offer his deepest condolences, his love, and his prayers to the family of Charlie Watts, to Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and to everyone in the Rolling Stones camp. Friends till the end. All our love. ❤️ – Team BG pic.twitter.com/JeKzHxzLph
— Buddy Guy (@TheRealBuddyGuy) August 24, 2021
(1/3) "We are so deeply, deeply saddened to hear of Charlie Watts passing.
The impact he’s had on musicians and listeners across the planet is profound. pic.twitter.com/Pr1alm6T1b
— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) August 24, 2021
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, 2021
My condolences to @MickJagger ,@officialKeef @ronniewood the family and fans of The Rolling Stones on the passing of Charlie Watts. When I first started I used to rap to that Honkey tonk women drum beat all the time. Thanks Charlie!
🙏🏾🌹💎 Rest in power.— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) August 25, 2021
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, 2021
Such sad news about Charlie Watts.
A true original icon – Rick x #charliewatts pic.twitter.com/zrA3k1XQDh— Rick Astley (@rickastley) August 24, 2021
Devastating news , those in the know know he was the heart & soul of the band …. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting him a few times, a total gentleman… it goes without saying he will be sorely missed .. RIP Charlie ❤️ -Joe Elliott@RollingStones #CharlieWatts https://t.co/AEpHjUNPHh
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) August 24, 2021
The heartbeat of Rock & Roll. The Great Charlie Watts. 😔 all due respect. https://t.co/k7tBR7KKFb
— B.R.O.theR. ?uestion (@questlove) August 24, 2021
