26 Replies to “” It’s hard to see how the Rolling Stones will ever be the same without him.””

  2. Jesus, they’re 80. And rich. And more importantly until just recently they had never missed a gig.

  4. The drummer is often the unsung hero-glue that holds a great band together. He is the time-keeper, and leads the band through the (often) many changes of rhythm of a song, and especially so through a live and often ad-lib’d performance. The drummer is always there with the beat, but you are never to notice his personal presence, just the beat that carries the band on through.

  5. As a friend of mine said of Charlie, upon hearing of his demise….
    “Charlie sure put up with those clowns for a long time…”
    Watts was also a competent jazz drummer, and the reluctant rock star.
    Still, I am sure he appreciated the income.
    Meanwhile, Keith is slated to pass on around 2080 or so….
    As for Mick…he died and doesn’t know it.
    Ronny Wood? Who?

  7. They won’t be the same but they will go on. They kept on when bassist Bill Wymans left.

    Charlie was a minimalist. He knew how to drop into a grove and stay there.

    The majority of drummers are way too busy – and can’t keep time.

  8. My guess is that Phil Collins will step in and save the Stones. He has a long career in the music business and we’ve seen him play with many musicians over the years.

    The Stones may go with many guest drummers as a second option. I can’t see them retiring, not yet anyway.

    1. I can’t imagine Collins with The Stones. Although only one Charlie Watts, there are a lot of solid drummers around with Steve Jordan taking the throne for the upcoming tour. After that, all bets are off.

    2. Re: Phil Collins.

      “He suffered severe nerve damage to his hands following Genesis’ 2007 reunion tour, making it nearly impossible for him to even grip drumsticks, let alone play the instrument, a cruel fate for an innovative and influential musician.”

  9. As one great example of his drumming excellence, listen to SFTD on the Ya-Ya’s live album!

    1. or the lead in to the break on Sister Moriphine (Sticky Fingers). Just makes the song explode.

  11. It’s gonna be a hell of a jam in heaven … with Watts joining MY FAVORITE drummer of all time ….

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwmf58-GkG0

    Another Jazz drummer who actually DID understand (and virtually invent) rock drumming. Ginger quite literally CREATED this tune with his visceral, African-inspired drumming.

    1. That brings back memories! Thanks Kenji. Saw them LIVE back in the day at an outdoor concert in Montreal. The music never dies it sticks to one’s soul.

  12. It’s strange to me that so many (often non musicians) consider busier drummers to be better drummers. The Stones had the perfect drummer for the music they played. An absolute human clock. If anyone thinks that they would have been a better band with a busier drummer, I just can’t see it.

  13. Led Zeppelin knew it was over when their drummer, John Bonham, passed. They called an end to it that day.

    The guitarist always gets all the attention, if it’s not the lead vocals. But the drummer is truly the soul of most every group.

  14. Rush is another one. Without Neil Peart, they also are simply not the same.

    1. By all accounts, Peart was a great drummer but I never cared much for Rush. Lee’s voice is just like fingernails on a chalk board to me. Anyway, having played in numerous bands, I’d have to say for more reasons than one, I’d prefer to have Watts. Especially, if you have to hump your own equipment. I’ve played with drummers who brought things to a gig that they never once put stick to. Grrrr. 😀

  16. PBS recently aired a great documentary series titles “Icon: Music through the lenses” (see link below) featuring some truly great photography. One of the contributors photographed the Rolling Stones early in their career and accompanied the band on their 1965 North American tour. He wa given carte blanche by Jagger with he only instruction being “don’t get in front of me”. The back stage facilities back then could be pretty grungy – the photographer had a great shot of Charlie Watts back stage (Los Angeles I believe) standing on a chair and peeing into a utility sink as there was no washroom. Watts had turned to face the camera.

    https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/icon-music-through-the-lens-explores-the-thrilling-world-of-concert-photography/

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