Keith Richards
Mick Jagger
The Rolling Stones
Living In The Heart Of Love. Weds 22nd Sep, 6pm BST / 10am PST / 1pm EST.
Charlie is my darling.
Darryl Jones
I am deeply saddened to have been informed that Charlie Watts has died. I appreciate all the kind words and thoughtful sentiments I’m receiving. My heart goes out to Charlie’s family and wealth of friends and fans grieving his passing. Though he had not been well it is nonetheless a tremendous shock to hear this sad news. I’ll have more to share soon. I’m just trying to wrap my head and heart around this loss. I’m sure you all understand. More to come, Darryl
A shot of the office before the open of business. Feeling blessed to be embarking on this tour after such a long pause. That said, resuming without Charlie Watts makes the endeavor quite bittersweet. I’ll be playing with him at heart and in mind with the hope of sincerely honoring his memory.
Ringo Starr
God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo
Eric Clapton
Mick Fleetwood
Dear Charlie,
I, like so many, am sad today…
However, knowing there are no words, still I’m driven to say to you…“ You, in life, had style!!”
You as a player were above and beyond!! You are my dream come true!! No one could drive a band like you!!
Most of all, again, the meaning of style comes to mind ..
For sure …in simply everything you did!!!
Family took such focus in your life...in an often-unfocused world you lived in.
And in the best of humor…my God you were one hell of a sharp dresser!!
With SO much respect…and support to your family
There is now you, to keep the two and four, and MORE!!
You will be missed by so many…
Love and respect,
Mick Fleetwood & Fleetwood Mac
Stewart Copeland
So sad to lose a unique, iconic drummer. (and dancer)
He was a quiet giant
Paul Weller
What a man! Top drummer, dresser, gentleman & what a legacy Charlie has left us. Thank you, Mr. Watts… - Paul
Slash
The countenance of rock n roll is forever changed this day. Devastating loss, RIP #CharlieWatts
AC/DC
Steve Winwood
“I met Charlie in 1965 when we toured with the Stones on a package theatre tour. I had the pleasure of playing with him on several occasions since then, and he was very supportive and a thoroughly nice man. Besides that, he was a brilliant drummer with his own special technique and definitely throughout the years was the defining groove of the Rolling Stones.” - SW
Victoria Will, Invision/AP
Motley Crue
The Rolling Stones have always meant so much to Mötley Crüe and still do. It’s with great sadness that one of the true OG’s has left us. RIP Charlie
The Doobie Brothers
Our hearts are heavy to hear of our dear friend Charlie Watts’ passing. He was and forever will be one of the most legendary drummers in rock n roll history. We are sending our love to the Watts Family and his bandmates.
Aerosmith
We are extremely saddened to hear the passing of the legendary Charlie Watts. Our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and The Rolling Stones. Sincerely, from the guys in Aerosmith you’ve given us all so much! RIP CHARLIE.
Joe Perry
We are extremely saddened to hear the passing of the legendary Charlie Watts. Our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and The Rolling Stones. Sincerely, from the guys in Aerosmith you’ve given us all so much! RIP CHARLIE.
Journey
I was in shock this morning to find out that Charlie Watts had passed.
God Bless Charlie Prayers and deepest condolences to his Family Band & Friends .. RIP Charlie NS
Huey Lewis & The News
Bill: I’m saddened to hear that Charlie Watts has passed away. I was never fortunate enough to have met Charlie, but I have a few dear friends who were friends of his, and all accounts portray Charlie as a kind, caring, good man. Heaven’s band just got a little hipper.
Sheila E.
Charlie, u will truly be missed. U’ve done so much for us musically and as a drummer. One of the best. Rest In Peace
Carl Palmer
I am deeply saddened that today Charlie Watts has died.
We spoke a few times on the phone about vintage drums and we were always looking at the possibilities of getting together one day. Charlie and I had traded some vintage drums over the years.
Charlie will be greatly missed by many.
I first played on Charlie's blue oyster pearl Ludwig drums in the Rolling Stones rehearsal studio, in south London, back in the 60s. This was at the time I was with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.
Rest in peace Charlie.
~Carl Palmer
Al Di Meola
The second I heard that Charlie passed I can hear in my head the drums kick in on Honky Tonk Woman, then Jumpin Jack Flash etc etc! These were part of my beautiful memories growing up. There’s no two ways about it! It’s emotional! RIP Charlie!
Carmine Appice
RIP. Charlie Watts. You rocked the world for decades ….You will be missed Rod Stewart always told me to listen to you ….I did ..He loved your playing !!
Bill Ward
Go-Go's
Hello Friends!
This is Gina. We all woke up to the devastating news that our beloved Charlie Watts is gone.
I’m speaking on behalf of the entire band in saying that we were all just sort of knocked off our feet in disbelief. It’s hard to comprehend that he’s actually gone. Charlie was loved by everyone and The Go-Go’s are no exception.
I would like to speak on a more personal level. Charlie was my hero. He is one of the main reasons I picked up drumsticks and wanted to play. I put my headphones on and played along with my Stones records trying to lock into his beat. His playing was rock-solid, elegant, and fluid. He cut straight to the heart of the song. No bullshit, just slamming it home with machine-like precision giving it that definable Stones sound. Essentially, he was teaching me to play drums.
And how incredibly lucky that so many years later, The Go-Go’s actually got to open for The Rolling Stones WOW! We were going to be playing on the same stage as our heroes.
When we were doing soundcheck I started to talk to Charlie’s Drum Tech. I asked him if I could sit on his kit and he said sure. We kept the conversation going as he told me that the rug that his drum kit was sitting on was worth a fortune. The drums were a pittance in comparison. That is so Charlie Watts; loaded with class, a gentleman through and through. By the way, that rug was gorgeous.
And so our band joins with the rest of the world in saying goodbye to one of the greats. Our condolences to his beautiful family, you’ll be sorely missed Charlie and you’ll never be forgotten.
We are so honored to have crossed paths with you and we know that wherever you moved onto has to be a beautiful place because you deserve nothing less.
-The Go-Go’s
Susanna Hoffs
Things you might not know about him. He started out as a graphic designer. He had a passion for literature. He collected first edition books by Graham Green, Evelyn Waugh, P.G. Wodehouse.
Peace & Love, Charlie.
Stray Cats
Geezer Butler
This news did shock me today. I've been a fan since I saw the Stones at the Birmingham Town Hall in 1964. RIP Charlie, thanks for the great music and memories.
Glenn Hughes
Heartbreaking
Charlie was one of a kind ,
The perfect drummer for the Rolling Stones.
His pocket is folklore , & what a lovely fellow he was.
All love to his Family, we will never forget…
Bob Seger
“So sad to hear the news of the loss of legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. His unforgettable rock solid backbeat will be remembered forever. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”
Alice Cooper
"We have lost one of rock and roll’s true gentlemen. Charlie Watts kept the beat for the world’s greatest rock band for over 50 years. I consider him the greatest pocket drummer of all time. Every time I would go backstage to see The Rolling Stones, Charlie was the first to greet me. He will be sorely missed and impossible to replace but I’ve no doubt The Stones will go on. My message to Charlie? Rest In Beat!”
- Alice Cooper
Van Halen
Ritchie Blackmore
Charlie Watts was a great, integral part of the Rolling Stones and he was also a really nice humble man. He will be sadly missed.
Buddy Guy
Buddy would like to offer his deepest condolences, his love, and his prayers to the family of Charlie Watts, to Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and to everyone in the Rolling Stones camp. Friends till the end. All our love. - Team BG
Blondie
Ian Hunter
R.I.P. Don Everly. Half of the greatest duo that ever lived!!
R.I.P. Charlie Watts. What a gentleman!! What a drummer!!
Condolences to their families, friends - and The Rolling Stones.
Tony Iommi
So sorry to hear the very sad news of Charlie Watts passing. He was such a nice guy and a major influence in the music business - he’ll be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and to Mick, Ronnie, Keith and all his friends and fans. R.I.P.
Tony
Europe
Sad news has reached us. Charlie Watts have passed away. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones, friends and fans. One of the greatest drummers of his generation.
Paul Rodgers
Gentleman Charlie... a great drummer and a great guy. The backbone of the Stones. What a legacy he leaves us. Condolences to his wife Shirley, his daughter Seraphina, his granddaughter Charlotte, The Stones and his many, many friends. - Paul
Photo credit: Karen Alvarez