August 25, 2021
Charlie Watts, drummer for The Rolling Stones, has died at age 80 in a London hospital just weeks after emergency heart surgery forced him to pull out of the band’s U.S. tour, No Filter, reports The U.S. Sun.
His publicist said in a statement: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.
“Charlie was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather; and also, as a member of The Rolling Stones, one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members, and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”
Watts, regarded as one of rock’s greatest drummers, had a “successful procedure” in London after a problem was found during a routine check-up.
Watts joked at the time: “For once, my timing has been a little off.”
“After all the disappointment with delays to the tour caused by Covid, I really don’t want the many Stones fans in the States who have been holding tickets to have another postponement or cancellation.”
Session and touring musician Steve Jordan was previously announced as Watts’ temporary replacement on drums. Sir Mick welcomed Jordan, who will join the band when the tour starts in St Louis on September 26, with dates also scheduled for Pittsburgh, Nashville, Minneapolis, Dallas, and more.
Research contact: @TheSun
