R.I.P Charlie Watts

Drummer Charlie Watts whose adept, powerful skin work propelled the Rolling Stones for more than half a century, died in London on Tuesday morning, at the age of 80.

He was one of the original members of the classic British band and had appeared on every one of their 23 studio albums.

Probably the best rock’n roll drummer in history. Certainly one of the most influential. With his minimalistic style he was the heart of the Rolling Stones.

There is a great story to tell on a day like this.

The world was loving the late Stones drummer playing “air drums” at the One World show last year – but there’s a valid reason why he didn’t have a real set.

He was a unique character – and the world was delighted when the band performed a classic hit for the One World: Together At Home gig during the lockdown in April 2020.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Watts all called in to the charity event, organised by Lady Gaga in conjunction with Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation.

Performing individually from their own homes via webcam, the veteran band played their 1969 classic You Can’t Always Get What You Want.

This was the elegancy of one of the great ones.

And the Stones will never roll again.