Charlie Watts the Rolling Stones drummer dies at age 80
Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer for The Rolling Stones, has died, his publicist announced in a statement to CNN on Tuesday. He was 80 years old.
Watts was part of The Rolling Stones since 1963.
In a statement on the Instagram account of The Rolling Stones they communicated the news:
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.
Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also 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.”
The statement, attributed to a Watts spokesperson, asks for privacy for his family, band members and close friends.
On August 5, Watts announced that he would miss the band’s upcoming North American tour.
Watts turned 80 in June and underwent a medical procedure for an unknown condition. A spokesperson for the Rolling Stones then issued a statement on Twitter stating that the drummer needs to rest and recover.
“Charlie underwent a procedure that was completely successful, but his doctors concluded this week that he now needs adequate rest and recovery,” the statement said. “With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks, he’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say that no one saw him coming.”
