The dapper gentleman drummer of the Rolling Stones since 1963, Wattspassed awayearlier today at age 80 in London.
His greatest gift was his note-perfect restraint and steadying presence.
Not that he merely kept the beat, though.
Credit: TV Times via Getty Images
It was a mighty claim at the time, but few could now honestly debate the point.
He was the engine that powered the band no matter what gear they wanted to ride in.
He was an outlaw in disguise, the coolest cat in the room.
“Everybody thinks Mick and Keith are the Rolling Stones. If Charlie wasn’t doing what he’s doing on drums, that wouldn’t be true at all,” said Richards of Watts (second from right).Georges Chevrier/INA via Getty Images
After the Beatles broke up in 1970, the Stones soldiered on.
More than that, they found their stride, now unchallenged by worthy rivals.
But they would certainly have the most longevity.
Charlie Watts performs during the Rolling Stone’s ‘Steel Wheels’ tour in 1989.Paul Natkin/Getty Images
Their album output became less and less regular.
But fans had assumed that his absence would be a temporary one.
After all, it was impossible to imagine the Stones without its anchor.
Watts performing with the Stones in 2019.Taylor Hill/Getty Images
As Richards put it in a 1979 interview, “Everybody thinks Mick and Keith are the Rolling Stones.
If Charlie wasn’t doing what he’s doing on drums, that wouldn’t be true at all.
You’d find out that Charlie Wattsisthe Rolling Stones.”
Charlie Watts was, is, and will always be the heartbeat of the Rolling Stones.
Now, sadly, is his final encore.
May he rest in peace.
