Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80

 

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80, his publicist Bernard Doherty has confirmed . "He passed away peacefully in a London hospital this morning surrounded by his family," says the statement posted on his social media this Tuesday the 24th.

"Charlie was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and, also as a member of the Rolling Stones, one of the greatest drummers of his generation ," the note continues: "We kindly ask that you respect the privacy of his family, members of the band and close friends at this difficult time.

Although the reason for the death is unknown, the British rock band had previously reported that Watts would not be present on the next US tour as he was recovering from an operation he had recently undergone. 

After a year of cancellations and delays due to the pandemic, the rolling ones plan to return to the American stages starting in September. However, as they had already planned, it will be  Steve Jordan who will replace Watts on drums.

Charlie Watts has been the Rolling Stones' drummer since the 1960s, when Tony Chapman, who originally held his position, resigned. The Briton has been present in the most successful moments of the band. 

A jazz enthusiast, the drummer studied art at university and helped in the early days of the band with cover designs and concert sets. Married since 1964, Watts leaves behind his wife, Shirley, and their 53-year-old daughter, Seraphina.