The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died at the age of 80. His agent said he fell asleep peacefully with his family.
Munich – It was only recently announced that “The Rolling Stones” member Charlie Watts is unlikely to participate in the continuation of the USA tour, which is planned for the end of September. The 80-year-old had undergone medical treatment, which is why it was “unlikely” that he would be available for these concerts, a spokesman for the musician said on August 5th.
Charlie Watts: “The Rolling Stones” drummer died with his family
Now the sad news: The drummer died on Tuesday with his family in a London hospital, as his agent Bernard Doherty announced. “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” said the BBC in the statement. “Today he fell asleep peacefully in a London hospital surrounded by his loved ones.” He was a “valued husband, father and grandfather” and “one of the greatest drummers of his generation”.
With the “Rolling Stones” Charlie Watts became a legend
Watts had written rock history with the Rolling Stones together with singer Mick Jagger and guitarists Keith Richards and Ron Wood in the past decades. Charlie Watts has been a member of the legendary rock band since January 1963 – almost since it was founded. The drummer was known for holding the Stones together, especially when Jagger and Richards fell out over the years. But unlike singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, he avoided the limelight.
According to the BBC, the heavy smoker had already been treated for throat cancer in 2004. Watts drank heavily and took drugs in the 1980s. Charlie Watts leaves behind his wife, Shirley, who he had been married to since 1964, and a daughter born in 1968. (spl with dpa and afp)
Headline list image: © SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP
