Charlie Watts, The Rolling Stones’ sole drummer for over six decades, died in London on Tuesday, according to TMZ.
When Charlie died, he was at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, and his wife of over 57 years, Shirley, was by his side. Earlier this month, the Stones revealed that Charlie, the band’s eldest member, will be unable to participate in their next tour due to the need for time to recover from surgery.
According to a representative for the band, “We are deeply saddened to report the loss of our dear Charlie Watts… Charlie was a beloved husband, father, and grandpa, as well as one of the best drummers of his age as a member of The Rolling Stones.”
Was Charlie Watts Ill?
The process was not disclosed by the band. In 2004, Watts was diagnosed with cancer of the throat, but it went into remission following treatment, and he and The Stones embarked on a two-year world tour.
In fact, Charlie had never missed a tour in the band’s 58-year history, so it was already a huge thing that he wouldn’t be joining Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood for their next U.S. tour in September. “For once, my timing has been a touch wrong,” Charlie joked in a statement.
Fashion Icon
He’s also become known as the fashionable Stone, and he’s known for wearing smart suits both onstage and off. Charlie was inducted into the Global Best Dressed List Hall of Fame by Vanity Fair in 2006.
Of course, he’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the Rolling Stones, who now face the terrible job of continuing without the man who’s been dubbed “the band’s soul.” Steve Jordan was filling in for Charlie before his death, but it’s unknown how Watts’ death would affect the band’s schedule. Their debut performance will take place in St. Louis on September 26.