The music world was hit hard last Tuesday when Charlie Watts, drummer and one of the core three members of The Rolling Stones, passed away. The outpouring of appreciation from contemporaries and those who have been influenced has been immense. Solidifying a legacy that will never die.
Watts was always the quietest member of the Stones. A humble man, he never cared about showing off. Instead, he supported the music and gave it a backbone that lasted for almost sixty years. Initially he was trained as a graphic artist before developing an interest in jazz. He joined the Rolling Stones in 1963 and remained their drummer for 58 years until his passing. Quite amazing really. Watts also served as the designer for the stages and tours for the vast majority of the Stones’ career. And remains the only drummer to ever record with the band.
Charlie Watts was the epitome of the bricklayer drummer. Keeping the beat, driving the bus and nothing more. Not showy on technical skills, but serving the song as a whole. Humbly and authentically. His swing is a major part of the Stones’ signature sound. Bluesy and jazzy, but on the two and four like a rock beat. And never overstating his presence. While maintaining a class that’s yet to be matched by any other rock star. He married his wife before the Rolling Stones were even successful and they stayed married until Watts’ death. A very very rare accolade found not just in rock, but all of the entertainment industry as a whole.
The tributes have been unlimited. Lars Ulrich even stated that Watts’ death is, ‘the end of an era.’ Which is honestly the truth. Watts is from the pre-Bonham era of rock drumming. The bricklayer is very much a dying breed of drummer. Other outpourings of appreciation have come from everyone like Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, to Soundgarden’s Matt Cameron. Who described his playing as having a ‘Beautifully greasy swagger.’ Elton John stated that Watts was ‘the most stylish of men, and such brilliant company.’ David Coverdale chimed in with ‘a very fine, gifted man.’ And the list goes on and on as you might imagine.
In the wake of Charlie’s death, the Stones have announced that they will continue their current tour. A pioneer of this magnitude will never be forgotten. May Watts’ legacy live on forever.
