Heartbreaking news.

Sky News and BBC have just confirmed that Charlie's publicist has stated that he has passed away


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58316842

so devastating

sympathy to everyone here, and all his fans

sympathy to his wife and daughter

sympathy to keith, mick, and ronnie

fuck

Rolling Stones legend Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80


ByLucy NeedhamAssistant Showbiz Editor
17:31, 24 Aug 2021UPDATED17:43, 24 Aug 2021

The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80.

The sad news comes weeks after Watts pulled out of the band's No Filter tour.

A spokesperson for Charlie confirmed his absence from the US shows earlier this month, revealing that the rocker needed to 'rest and recuperate' following a medical procedure.

He confirmed the operation had been 'completely successful' but said the star needed time to recover.

Watts said: "For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while."

Bandmates Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood all shared messages of support following the announcement.

Charlie has been a member of the Rolling Stones since 1963.

He remains the only member other than Jagger and Richards to have features on all of their studio albums.


https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/breaking-charlie-watts-dead-rolling-24829731

:-(

Gazza wrote on Aug 24^th, 2021 at 11:36am:

Heartbreaking news. Sky News and BBC have just confirmed that Charlie's publicist has stated that he has passed away https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58316842

*************************





RIP Charlie  !!!!!



https://i.pinimg.com/474x/36/33/c1/3633c1d1cf11f86d70a219ddfadab030.jpg

Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones’ drummer, has died at the age of 80.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” publicist Bernard Doherty told the PA news agency.

“He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/charlie-watts-death-rolling-stones-drummer-b1908037.html

Thank you Charlie. We never met but brought me great pleasure. What more could a person ask of another? Thank you so so much.

THANKS CHARLIE!!
You were the Band's class act!

God loves Charlie Watts.

A beautiful man and a beautiful drummer.

I don't much feel like doing anything.

Perhaps for the rest of the month. Or year.

How can the boys tour now?

RIP Charlie !!
The heartbeat of the Stones...beats no more.

Nothing else to say

I have no words to express what I feel

This is the end of an era, No Charlie, No stones (just the upcoming dates and that's it)

Yes, I agree.  A man I never knew, but truly respected and admired.

It's not just a sad day for the Stones, the fans, and the Watts family. It's a great loss for music. RIP Charlie Watts. May his legacy live on forever.

If they continue and tour Europe next year you know it's a money grab and nothing else. Very sad circumstances ! I love them live as much as anyone but I agree with Voodoo...........an ERA has ended. I'm glad that I was along for the ride. I'm glad that I met him on a flight from Amsterdam to London in 2003, while securing a photo in Heathrow with him! He epitomized High Class. We'll all miss him.

No words, this is today's look of the official page

https://rollingstones.com/

Godspeed Charlie. An incredible man.

Rest in Peace Charlie.

Saw you and the band so many times from 1967 on.

The end is near.

Oh, crap.  Thanks for everything, Charlie.

Love and light to Charlie, and thanks and praises —
for everything, Charlie.

This isn't right. I don't know how to take this in.

Rest in peace, Charlie.

Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones’ Drummer and Inimitable Backbone, Dead at 80
Rock & roll legend “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier [Tuesday] surrounded by his family,” according to publicist
By JOE GROSS

https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/GettyImages-103631125c.jpg

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/charlie-watts-rolling-stones-drummer-dead-obit-1161926/

There are certain people, they don't have to be famous necessarily, you just can't picture them dead. Death is a concept so distant, so seemingly far away from them, they almost have you convinced they're immortal.

Charlie was one of these people.
It is simply unbelievable.

My heart is so broken. What else is there to say? I'll be forever greatful for having seen this man playing live. All my  love to his family and friends and to Mick, Keith and Ronnie.

Just Wow ...


I am at a loss for words Rock Off Folks.

14 years ago, London, august 26th 2007.
After a wonderful day with wonderful people from all over the world.
RIP Charlie.

https://zupimages.net/up/21/34/dejv.jpg

To say its the end of an era is an understatement. We knew a day like this was going to come at some point, but it doesnt make it easier.

I did get to meet Charlie on three occasions and he couldnt have been nicer. The first one was outside the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam in 1995 as he arrived back from a night out with Shirley and despite being visibly 'tired and emotional' was happy to take a few minutes standing for photos and autographs. I took a couple of photos but in the excitement I didnt get around to getting an autograph. Eight months later I sent him a birthday card to his home address - with a cheeky and half-apologetic note asking for a signed photo as I'd forgot to do so when we met in Amsterdam. I duly got one in the mail about ten days later.

The other two were in June 2007 when the much-missed Gotorollme and myself were following the Bigger Bang tour in Lisbon and Madrid. Had a lovely chat with him for a few minutes at the band's hotel in Lisbon - bizarrely not about music, but about George Best, which he initiated after he saw George's picture on my t-shirt and heard my Belfast accent. I'll always treasure that encounter.  We met him again in Madrid a few days later and he remembered and greeted us again.

This is a sad day for Stones fans everywhere. Personally I've met so many people through this band over the last few decades (mostly in the last 25-odd years of the internet era) and the sad reality is dawning that in most cases we'll never get the chance to do it again in a concert environment.

The greatest sadness of all though is for Charlie's family. He was blissfully married to Shirley for 67 years with not one hint of scandal. Unheard of in the entertainment industry.

We'll all have our own thoughts on what should happen re; the Stones' future plans. That discussion is for another day IMO.  Today is for remembering Charlie's contribution to almost six decades of great music.

Thank you for everything, Charlie.

Thanks Mr Watts for all the music and memories.

Just staring into space, wiping tears and trying to wrap my head around
this horrible news.
We all knew this day would come but no way to prepare.
Thank you Charlie for your style, your sense of humor, your gentility, your
incredible talent and your devotion to The Rolling Stones.
There will never be another quite like you.
Sincerest condolences to Shirley, Serafina and Charlotte.
Much love to Mick, Keith, Ronnie, Bill and Mick T.
Lots of hugs to my fellow RO'ers. It's sure been a fun ride.
xoxo
LJ

It hurkts more then I thought. Rip Charlie. Thanks for music, memories and friends

I don't know what to say.

no words....

Such a humble man.

Always got the biggest roar and acknowledgements from the crowd.

What a drummer and presence.

Hard to take in. Tragic.

Can't express my feelings, so no words

RIP Charlie :'( :'( :'( :'(

I always liked that video where he said he worked 5 years and 20 years hanging around.
Stones would never had been as cool with out him.

Charlie's good tonight ain't he......RIP.

Some Guy wrote on Aug 24^th, 2021 at 2:07pm:

I always liked that video where he said he worked 5 years and 20 years hanging around. Stones would never had been as cool with out him.

https://youtu.be/QMA5aSr6kkQ

I'm crying (really) RIP Charlie

Yes we knew at some point this day would come with one of them.

I feel sad for Charlie .. not for The Stones sake as a band either ... just for his sake and his family etc.

I felt absolutely shocked and gutted when I read the news.  RIP Charlie...thank you for the music that shaped our lives and for YOUR Rolling Stones. 

I think the Stones are touring NOW for Charlie...carrying on Charlie's Legacy, to show that the Rolling Stones are Rolling On.  They're touring because Charlie WOULD have wanted the Stones to GO ON.   Also, they may be contractually obligated to keep this tour going.

Paul McCartney talks about how he feels about it, touching words

https://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/1430221433100177409?s=20

His greatness cannot be overstated. When one is a die hard fan of the band, his greatness is easy to understand. Namely, every other drummer isn't up to scratch when compared to Charlie. The ability to swing and make drums sound like a symphony was his and his alone. Not wholly unexpected but horrible news nonetheless.

Eric Clapton's post:

https://www.facebook.com/ericclapton

Thanks for everything, Charlie!
You were family to me.
I will always love you beautiful man.
Rest in Peace

So effin' sad  :'(

https://i.postimg.cc/Y9vyxyqt/CHARLIEKEEF.jpg

R.I.P

https://i.postimg.cc/c4zC9vmZ/Charlie-closed.jpg
:(

A good collection of some of the celebrity reactions:

https://deadline.com/2021/08/rolling-stones-elton-john-musicians-react-charlie-watts-death-1234820961/

Dear Charlie,

Thank you for keeping the beat to the music of my life.

I will forever cherish my memories of seeing the Stones on stage.

One love.

Very sad day in the Stones universe.  Charlie Watts was a legend!

I’m crying a lot. As I’m sure many of you are.
I hope everyone reading this is healthy and well.

Not much to say, but unwanted to come by here.
The Stones brought such joy, and so many friends.

Sad day.

The Stones without Charlie? He was the fulcrum. He was, he is the Rolling Stones. Rest in peace...

another article on Rolling Stone

No One Impressed Charlie Watts, Not Even the Stones
Rock’s ultimate drum god didn’t want the spotlight. He was there to do a job, which was knocking people off their feet, night after night, year after year

By ROB SHEFFIELD

https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/charlie-watts-1978.jpg

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/charlie-watts-rolling-stones-drum-god-1216488/

The closest I ever came to Charlie was when his thrown drumstick hit my left forearm at the end of one of the Portland B2B shows.  This news is like a sharpened drumstick through the heart.

with the mate he discovered music with, before mick and keith, including a nice interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Q_-xy2cn0

I had to pull over today at work today. I went numb the moment I heard. Just total devastation and immersion into the Stones all day, mixed with the never ending appreciation and love for what he gave us.

I just heard the news on XM on the way home.
Absolutely devastating.
I’ve been a fanatic since I first heard them in 1963. As a young fan Charlie was my favorite.
Charlie, a great human being who is the heart and the engine of The Rolling Stones.
My heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, band mates and his family of fans.
Thank you Charlie.

Rick

Charlie Charlie Charlie!!!

Roostah wrote on Aug 24^th, 2021 at 12:26pm:

If they continue and tour Europe next year you know it's a money grab and nothing else. Very sad circumstances ! I love them live as much as anyone but I agree with Voodoo...........an ERA has ended. I'm glad that I was along for the ride. I'm glad that I met him on a flight from Amsterdam to London in 2003, while securing a photo in Heathrow with him! He epitomized High Class. We'll all miss him.

ironic that he left us 18 years to the day after that concert at Twickenham - where my unused ticket was the one you got him to sign at Heathrow!

Forty years to the day since the release of Tattoo You also. we'll never forget this anniversary, thats for sure.

Thanks Rick, excellent read

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at age 80

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https://www.wbtv.com/2021/08/24/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-dead-80/

Gazza wrote on Aug 24^th, 2021 at 1:19pm:

Had a lovely chat with him for a few minutes at the band's hotel in Lisbon - bizarrely not about music, but about George Best, which he initiated after he saw George's picture on my t-shirt and heard my Belfast accent. I'll always treasure that encounter.

Can you share what he said about Bestie, Gazza?

Posted by Keith:

https://twitter.com/officialKeef/status/1430308089950085121?s=20

The Wick wrote on Aug 24^th, 2021 at 7:33pm:

Gazza wrote on Aug 24th, 2021 at 1:19pm: Had a lovely chat with him for a few minutes at the band's hotel in Lisbon - bizarrely not about music, but about George Best, which he initiated after he saw George's picture on my t-shirt and heard my Belfast accent. I'll always treasure that encounter. Can you share what he said about Bestie, Gazza?

Basically asked me if I'd ever met him and conversed for a couple of minutes about what a 'lovely man' he was.

Pete Townshend :

https://www.instagram.com/p/CS989zFsAZT/

All over the front pages in the UK tomorrow morning :

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Rest in Peace, Dear Sweet Charlie! 🌺

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtXIUWyLkmo

Thank you, dear Charlie, for all the years as the heartbeat of the band, your peerless drumming and your part in all that was the Rolling Stones at their best.

If I believed in God, I’d be sure He’s saying, “Charlie’s good tonight, ain’t he?”

I hope the family is holding together and not being bothered by press.

Charlie, thank you so much. You were the best.

I haven't been on the site here in years, but I had to come today.  I'm heartbroken.  Eternal rest in peace to the greatest drummer in rock and roll history.  Charlie you have given me so much pleasure over the years, I don't know how to thank you.

The only thing showing on the Stones website right now is a picture of Charlie

https://rollingstones.com/

Somber greetings, my RO friends.

Just like all of you I have a heavy heart.  Today brought the shock, the sadness and the reflection of the loss of a good man.  Charlie was, and always will be, a 101% Class Act of a human being.  My heart goes out to his family, friends and bandmates.  And to all of you, as well.  We share the same admiration and I know how you feel.

Thank you, Charlie. 
God has blessed you and will keep you.

Gazza wrote on Aug 24^th, 2021 at 8:09pm:

Pete Townshend : https://www.instagram.com/p/CS989zFsAZT/

Pete Townsend about Charlie on Rolling Stone

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pete-townshend-charlie-watts-tribute-1216423

From Ronnie:

https://twitter.com/ronniewood/status/1430425382897995780?s=20

i think its telling that neither mick nor keith has yet found words that they
want to share with us.

i think it underscores the gravity of this situation for them both personally 
and professionally

i'm glad that people here are generally refraining from trying to tell them
what they should or shouldnt do

i wish more of the IORRaqis were being similarly respectful

Оh no.....no, no,no!!!!!........................

For once, all eyes only on Mister Watts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL614PU-EQE

https://i.imgur.com/JGLqblb.jpg

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky
So was it when my life began
So is it now I am a man
So shall it be when I grow old

The Child is father of the Man
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety

                    -- William Wordsworth

From The Who aka "The Two"

---

25 AUG 2021

CHARLIE WATTS 1941-2021


https://www.thewho.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/charliethewhodotcom-1024x1024.jpg

“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Charlie’s wife Shirley, the rest of his family and to the guys in the band.

He was always the perfect gentleman, as sharp in his manner of dress as he was on the drums.

Charlie was a truly great drummer, whose musical knowledge of drumming technique, from jazz to the blues, was, I’m sure, the heartbeat that made the Rolling Stones the best rock and roll band in the world.”

~ ROGER DALTREY



“I only played with Charlie once, when he drummed for Ronnie Lane and me on our Rough Mix album. We did two faultless live takes (no overdubs at all) of my song ‘My Baby Gives It Away’. His technique was obvious immediately, the hi-hat always slightly late, and the snare drumstick held in the flat of the left hand, underpowered to some extent, lazy-loose, super-cool. The swing on the track is explosive. I’ve never enjoyed playing with a drummer quite so much. Of course that brings up Keith Moon, who was so different to Charlie. At Keith’s funeral Charlie surprised me by openly weeping, and I remember wishing I could wear my heart on my sleeve like that. I was tightened up like a snare drum myself.

Charlie lived a quiet life in the English countryside. He had a London bolthole in St James’s for many years which I think he used mainly to visit his tailor and buy paintings. He is the exemplar of the perfect marriage, still married to his art-school girlfriend who he married secretly in 1964. I understand he lived a quiet and respectable life on the road as well. I know that like me he wasn’t mad on touring, but that wry smile of his – that hid a mischievous side to him that few us saw – could turn into the most beautiful wide-mouthed laugh at very little urging. I could make him smile simply by talking about growing up following my father Cliff’s post-war dance band. Charlie loved the ‘real’ music of that era.

I’ve said here that his playing on ‘My Baby Gives It Away’ was flawless. I have suddenly remembered that he had trouble with the clipped ending. On the second take he nailed it, but was so shocked he had managed it that he burst into laughter and fell off his stool. That was a Keith Moon stunt, ask any drummer what they most dread doing and they will probably reply that they never want to fall off their stool.”

~ PETE TOWNSHEND

https://youtu.be/rkzG9U8Phms

---

https://www.thewho.com/charlie-watts-1941-2021/

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-madison-square-garden-2021/





" Several of the songs were played in honor of fellow musicians who passed away in the last week — Walsh dedicated  "Life's Been Good" to Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who died on Aug. 24, while Henley dedicated "Best of My Love," the final song of the evening, both Watts and Don Everly, who died earlier this week.

“We lost two giants these past few days," Henley said. “So let’s sing it so they can hear us.”








https://i.pinimg.com/originals/26/18/8c/26188c590ba1ff172ae2e028d782cf87.jpg





Charlie's Final Concert Bow ( Miami 2019 )  :


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1Okff19rE4

Front pages outside the UK

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Thanks, Urban Steel.  Beautiful tribute. This choked me up.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3cJt-gALz0

The final bow in Miami on 30th August 2019

:( :'(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J1_P3y2Ksg

What a privilege it was for all of us to see him live, and to have followed the happenings in his life all these years. Aside from the obvious, I will miss his interviews enormously. He always gave the most interesting interviews and had such diverse tastes in everything from music, to clothes to sports and art. Not completely unexpected but doesn't make it any easier.

Now Cartoons published on Mexican newspapers

https://www.rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-charlie-01.jpg

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I still can't believe it. Thank you, Mr. Watts, for all those grooves that accompanied my whole life. Thanks for the music of my beloved band that seemingly was always there and will forever be in my heart and ears.
Greetings to Brian, Stu, and Bobby.

I love that last one Voo!

Is anyone walking around in a fog of depression? I no longer feel like myself.

Steel Wheels wrote on Aug 25^th, 2021 at 12:38pm:

Is anyone walking around in a fog of depression? I no longer feel like myself.

Yes! Yesterday was the start of my vacation, I found out on the island. I feel heavy all day long, it's awful.

It really is awful.

This band is my entire world. I can say that to you folks because you get it.

Hang in there everyone. We'll get through this. All us wonderful fans.

Steel Wheels wrote on Aug 25^th, 2021 at 12:38pm:

Is anyone walking around in a fog of depression? I no longer feel like myself.

Same here. In a fog.
Grateful for my Stones friends.

Steel Wheels wrote on Aug 25^th, 2021 at 12:38pm:

Is anyone walking around in a fog of depression? I no longer feel like myself.

Yeah. Today has actually been worse than yesterday now that the initial shock has subsided.  Seeing all the tributes has been heartwarming in many ways, but extremely sad in others.

Another one from the Mexican press

https://www.rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-charlie-07.jpg

https://www.elsoldemexico.com.mx/gossip/x9kbzs-charlie-watts-baterista-de-rolling-stones.jpeg/alternates/FREE_720/Charlie%20Watts,%20baterista%20de%20Rolling%20Stones.jpeg

https://www.rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-charlie-08.jpg

I'm so sad. I can't conceptualize why and I feel a bit guilty. He has lived a full and wonderful life with zero controversy, you can't ask for more than he's gotten. He deserved every bit of it.

A really beautiful description by Questlove about what Charlie meant to him:

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/questlove-true-genius-charlie-watts-164833702.html

Questlove likes to joke that when he first fell in love with the Rolling Stones, it was with all the “wrong” albums. Instead of long-celebrated classics like Aftermath, Sticky Fingers, or Exile on Main St., his favorite records were It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll, Black and Blue, Emotional Rescue, and Undercover, among others.

“How ironic that I’m talking to Rolling Stone right now,” he says while reflecting on the impact that the late Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who died this week, had on him. “To be a nine-year-old, reading your dad’s Rolling Stone magazine and to read the humorous panning of Emotional Rescue, that instantly was like, ‘Oh, I got to hear this record now.’ Even more disturbing was how I thought, ‘Wait a minute, I actually like this record.’ I remember seeing the headline, ‘What kind of rescue is this?’ and instantly, that panning made me buy it.”

Even on those less-vaunted LPs, he could hear how important Watts was to the band’s sound. When Questlove finally dove into the band’s more popular releases, he got an even deeper understanding of what made the drummer special. By his own estimation, Watts’s influence was as important on his development as a drummer as the breakbeats that he worshipped during the early years of the Roots. Here, he reflects on how Watts’ understated simplicity helped him define his own approach to drumming.

Charlie Watts truly knew what was called for in Rolling Stones songs. I’m not even talking about the Captain Obvious super hits, I’m talking in terms of the stuff that doesn’t get celebrated enough, like his groove on “Almost Hear You Sigh” on Steel Wheels or even their rendition of “Harlem Shuffle” on Dirty Work. I know a lot has been debated on, “What’s the perfect bracket between the Stones’ work: Where did it start and where does it end?” But in my opinion, he’s always been a solid foundational drummer. He was the anti-drummer. He wasn’t performative to let you know how hard he was fucking working. He gave you the basic foundation.

What I really felt akin to, as far as Charlie’s and my drumming is concerned, was the fact that my reputation is as stoic as Charlie’s reputation — like, the serious face that he always had. I came to the world in a time where the temptation to show off was at a high, and it’s a mighty task to check your ego at the door when you’re a drummer, to not beg for attention or to do anything to distract from the team mentality. And I will say that those first five to six years in the Roots, to maintain that discipline, especially in a genre that wanted complete flash and trickery, my motivation in the back of my mind was always that Watts became a legend not because of who he was associated with, but because he’s providing the foundation.

A solid foundation, to me, is more important than the size of your drum set or how fast you drum or how loud you drum. And only real drummers know the value of Charlie Watts and the fact that he was the world’s greatest metronome. His serious drumming and stoic drumming was kind of my blueprint with the Roots. Because Charlie did less, that made him more.

It’s weird that all the incorrect Stones records is what attracted me to them. And then when I got in my thirties — like around like 1998, ’99, especially when all these reissues were coming out — then suddenly, I saw the magic in “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” or any of the stuff on Exile on Main St. Even his work on something like “I Just Want to See His Face,” where the drums really aren’t defined or the blues thing, “Shake Your Hips.” I studied him a lot.

[Producer] Don Was told me a really awesome story that I still refuse to believe to this day. He said he would play [the Roots’] “The Seed” for the Rolling Stones, kind of taunting them, like, “This is who y’all need to be sounding like.” I believe he was working on A Bigger Bang at the time. And I was like, “Wait, you what?” And he’s like, “Yeah.” He told me how many times he played it for them.

In my mind, when I tracked that song on our Phrenology record, there was a certain raw sound that I wanted to that drum tone of “The Seed.” And in my mind to get raw, I felt like I had to pretend I was my younger self and undo the things that I learned in the last 10 years of drumming. I kind of just put myself in sort of Sticky Fingers-era Watts or even his drumming on Exile, just kind of a very loose drumming. I definitely remember spending a lot of time with Exile on Main St. trying to channel that feeling or that rawness before I tracked “The Seed.” There was a certain texture I wanted to achieve with that song.

Oftentimes, when hip-hoppers or rappers try to approximate rock music, the first thing in their mind is always the “Smoke on the Water” riff or “Iron Man” or “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Like, whatever will make Beavis and Butt-Head want to headbash, that’s the rock they think of. And for me, I wanted to approximate something closer to Exile on Main St.

Probably Charlie’s greatest trademark was the fact that he never hits the hi-hat when he hits the snare, which is very unusual, because drummers are programed to hit everything at the same time. I’ve never seen a drummer just individually hit them the way he does. His hi-hat hand never played when the snare hand played, and the same with how he applies his rolls and his kicks and what not. Like, again, a rare moment of him just rolling his ass off is the end of “Start Me Up,” which is sort of like, “Ooh, he’s getting loose tonight.” But I realize that that’s more mastery than it is not being advanced enough.

The average amateur or newbie will probably think, “The less that I do, the more it will reveal that I’m not as skilled as the next person.” And that’s absolutely, positively not the case of Charlie Watts. His level of drumming, especially the fact that it was so unorthodox, I definitely could hear a difference in my drumming, once I stopped depending on the hi-hat for a lot. Like with “Brown Sugar,” that’s a great example where his concentration on the kick and the snare and not so much on the hi-hat actually makes it bigger, the same with the four-on-the-floor — or in this case, the eight-on-the-floor — for “Satisfaction.” Just the fact that he does less and that makes it sounds heavier.

I pretty much have gotten real face time with every member of the Stones, except for Charlie, but I got to see two Stones shows. I saw the “theater show” in 2002, which was small considering that I also saw one of those Voodoo Lounge [stadium] shows, which, like, “This is way too much to take in.” For me, my appetite was absolutely satisfied with what I saw. I walked away wondering, “Wow, I wonder if I will be this powerful in my seventies, still drumming.”

The Stones have been around for decades, and those guys have been committed to each other, I’m certain, longer than the longest relationship that any of those gentlemen have had in their domestic lives. That screams volume about the importance of legacy and how well it worked, because I know people that have committed time to each other and the wheels have fallen off and you’ve run out of ideas and you don’t know how much further you can go. I just truly admire the Stones’ tenacity and the willingness to still reach further and dig further.

Outside of the Stones, Charlie was an accomplished jazz drummer, and I think creativity is transferrable. Charlie knew what was called for when he would go back to the Rolling Stones. That, to me, is what made him even better and even more of a genius. Trust me, his “less is more” technique is probably some of the most genius playing that you’ll hear.

https://www.rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-charlie-09.jpg

From the NZ Herald with thanks to Judi Mossop

https://www.rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-charlie-10.jpg

From Bill Wyman:

https://billwyman.com/2021/08/charlie-watts-like-a-brother-to-me/

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“You make a grown man cry…” RIP Charlie Watts (2/6/41-24/8/21)

Effortless elegance

The rock of The Rolling Stones"

Bono, Edge, Adam and Larry

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E9poHvfXEAEypQh.jpg

https://media.giphy.com/media/1rxLwAY41lWVfGeL7y/giphy.gif

The BBC obituary :

Charlie Watts obituary: Jazz man who became rock superstar

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/149F9/production/_120237448_mediaitem120237446.jpg  (Reuters)

Drummer Charlie Watts, who has died at 80, provided the foundation that underpinned the music of the Rolling Stones.

The band became a by-word for rock 'n' roll excess but for Watts, playing with the Stones did not become the ego trip that drove Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

A jazz aficionado, Watts vied with Bill Wyman for the title of least charismatic member of the band; he eschewed the limelight and rarely gave interviews

And he famously described life with the Stones as five years of playing, 20 years of hanging around.


Charles Robert Watts was born on 2 June 1941 at the University College Hospital in London and was raised in Kingsbury, now part of the London Borough of Brent.

His father was a lorry driver and Watts was brought up in a pre-fabricated house to which the family had moved after German bombs destroyed hundreds of houses in the area.

A childhood friend once described how Watts had an early interest in jazz and recalled listening to 78s in Charlie's bedroom by artists such as Jelly Roll Morton and Charlie Parker.

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/14CF9/production/_87814258_87813752.jpg
He first played with the Jo Jones Seven on the north London pub circuit

At school he developed an interest in and a talent for art, and he went on to study at Harrow Art School before finding a job as a graphic designer with a local advertising agency.

But his love of music continued to be the dominating force in his life. His parents bought him a drum kit when he was 13 and he played along to his collection of jazz records.

He began drumming in local clubs and pubs and, in 1961 was heard by Alexis Korner, who offered him a job in his band, Blues Incorporated, an outfit that became a vital part of the development of British rock music.

Also playing with Blues Incorporated was a guitarist named Brian Jones, who introduced Watts to the fledgling Rolling Stones - whose original drummer, Tony Chapman, had quit the band.

'Mick Jagger's bum'

The result of that meeting, according to Watts, was "four decades of seeing Mick's bum running around in front of me".

Watts' skill and experience were invaluable. Together with Bill Wyman, he provided a counterpoint to the guitars of Richards and Jones and the preening performance of Jagger.

Early Stones concerts often descended into mayhem as eager female fans climbed onto the stage to embrace their heroes. Watts often found himself trying to maintain a beat with a couple of girls hanging on to his arms.

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/161AD/production/_87814509_87814508.jpg (GETTY IMAGES)

As well as his musical ability, his graphic design experience also proved useful. He came up with the sleeve for 1967 album Between the Buttons, and helped create the stage sets which became an increasingly important feature of the band's tours.

Watts also came up with the idea of promoting their 1975 tour of the US by having the band play Brown Sugar on the back of a lorry as it drove down the street in Manhattan.

He had remembered New Orleans jazz bands using the same technique and it was later copied by other groups including AC/DC and U2.

His lifestyle while on the road was in direct contrast to that of other band members. He famously rejected the charms of the hordes of groupies that dogged the band on all their tours, remaining faithful to his wife Shirley, who he had married in 1964.

All-time low

However in the mid-1980s, during what he put down to a mid-life crisis, Watts went off the rails with drink and drugs, leading to heroin addiction.

"It got so bad," he later quipped, "that even Keith Richards, bless him, told me to get it together."

At the same time, his wife was battling her own alcoholism. and his daughter Seraphina had became something of a "wild child", being expelled from the prestigious Millfield public school for smoking cannabis.

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/968D/production/_87814583_87814582.jpg(GETTY IMAGES)

Watts' relations with Jagger, too, had reached an all-time low.

On one famous occasion, in an Amsterdam hotel in 1984, a drunken Jagger reportedly woke Watts up by bellowing down the phone "Where's my drummer?"

Watts responded by going round to the singer's room, hitting him with a left hook, and saying: "Don't ever call me 'your drummer' again, you're my f***ing singer."

The crisis lasted two years and it was Shirley, above all, who helped him get through it.

High Flying Bird

Estimated to have been worth £80m as a result of the enduring popularity of the Stones, Charlie Watts lived with his wife on a farm in Devon, where they bred Arabian horses.

He also became something of an expert on antique silver and collected everything from American Civil War memorabilia to old classic cars. The last was curious since he didn't drive.

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6681/production/_87814262_87814261.jpg(GETTY IMAGES)

Between his regular Stones tours, Watts indulged his love of jazz. Though he always enjoyed drumming with a rock band and loved his work with the Stones, jazz gave him, as he put it, "more freedom to move around".

Back in art college, he'd completed an illustrated biography of jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, titled Ode To A High Flying Bird.

In 1990, he used the book as the basis for a musical tribute to the man they called the Bird on an album by the Charlie Watts Quintet. It featured several of his jazz musician friends, including saxophonist Pete King.

Watts played and recorded with various incarnations of big bands. At one gig, at Ronnie Scott's, he had a 25-piece on stage including three drummers.

Always well turned out - he had featured in several lists of best dressed men - Watts kept his feet firmly on the ground throughout his career with one of the world's most enduring bands.

"It's supposed to be sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll," he once said. "I'm not really like that. I've never really seen the Rolling Stones as anything."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22200496

Links to other related articles :
Charlie Watts: The life of a Rolling Stone in pictures
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58323305

Charlie Watts: The subtle magnificence of the Rolling Stones' drummer
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58323536

Charlie Watts: The Who and Chili Peppers drummers pay tribute
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/entertainment-arts-58328005

Charlie Watts: Jagger and Richards pay tribute to Rolling Stones bandmate
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58325271

Bruce gives a shoutout to Charlie at the end of his Broadway show last night (link is from facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/1385567700/videos/592885452086664/

It is good to see so many recognizing the sort of musiic genius and integrity of Charlie Watts.

Charlie is ..and always will be 'The guy' -

Especially for The Rolling Stones. There is no replacing him (everyone easily reliazes that).

We live in a world without the total Rolling Stones. The day has come... wow.

Does anyone have any clue as to how he passed? I think Kenny Jones said that Ronnie talked as if he was pretty ill at the end and it was not quite as sudden to them as was originally perceived?

Keith and Charlie with Ronnie and Sally's twins Gracie Jane y Alice Rose, at home in 2016

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With thanks to Sally Wood!!

The Charlie Bus, Mexico City today...

"Rest in peace friend Charlie Watts!"

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Thank You Mr. Watts...........RIP

I'm feeling worse. How is everyone else tonight?

:charlieperv :charlieperv :charlieperv :charlieperv :charlieperv :charlieperv :nicetits :nicetits :nicetits :nicetits :nicetits :nicetits

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Charlie Watts was a groove-master. An elegant, beautiful groove-master who was as kind to my drummers as he was to me.  What a gift to have gotten to play with him and the
@RollingStones on multiple occasions.

Steel Wheels wrote on Aug 25^th, 2021 at 7:35pm:

I'm feeling worse. How is everyone else tonight?

In the morning worse than yesterday, it was the adrenaline yesterday... now I'm fine (I guess so)

Ian Billen wrote on Aug 25^th, 2021 at 6:45pm:

It is good to see so many recognizing the sort of musiic genius and integrity of Charlie Watts. Charlie is ..and always will be 'The guy' - Especially for The Rolling Stones. There is no replacing him (everyone easily reliazes that). We live in a world without the total Rolling Stones. The day has come... wow. Does anyone have any clue as to how he passed? I think Kenny Jones said that Ronnie talked as if he was pretty ill at the end and it was not quite as sudden to them as was originally perceived?

No. But that info will probably emerge after a while as death certificates in the UK are easy to access.  In the meantime, his family have understandably chosen to keep things private.

Gazza wrote on Aug 24^th, 2021 at 7:08pm:

Roostah wrote on Aug 24th, 2021 at 12:26pm: If they continue and tour Europe next year you know it's a money grab and nothing else. Very sad circumstances ! I love them live as much as anyone but I agree with Voodoo...........an ERA has ended. I'm glad that I was along for the ride. I'm glad that I met him on a flight from Amsterdam to London in 2003, while securing a photo in Heathrow with him! He epitomized High Class. We'll all miss him. ironic that he left us 18 years to the day after that concert at Twickenham - where my unused ticket was the one you got him to sign at Heathrow! Forty years to the day since the release of Tattoo You also. we'll never forget this anniversary, thats for sure.

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I miss Charlie as if he is my own family member. So crushed, cant believe he's really gone. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lldf7HB3VU&ab_channel=Yesterday%27sPapers

A bit morbid, but during the last few years there were times I'd been trying to prepare myself for a situation like this. But the thing is, no matter how your roll it over in your head and plan out the different scenarios and know that it's only logical that at this age something might happen, you're never prepared for how it'll hit you. I think this applies in every damn situation in life, you can never be prepared for the actual emotion of it.

I haven't even gotten to process what this might mean for the band - to be honest, I don't care to. The loss of Charlie is so immense, I don't understand how e.g. people on IORR or elsewhere are arguing whether the Stones should go on with the tour. It's just not the time. I don't understand how one can have the energy to even think about that. Not to mention with the loss the Stones actually suffered, for what it's worth, they can close the shop, keep going until they all fall down or choose to only perform one song for the rest of their lives, and I'd still think it's ok. I can't even begin to imagine how it feels losing a friend you've known for your entire life, all those years.

Gazza wrote on Aug 25^th, 2021 at 9:00pm:

Ian Billen wrote on Aug 25th, 2021 at 6:45pm: It is good to see so many recognizing the sort of musiic genius and integrity of Charlie Watts. Charlie is ..and always will be 'The guy' - Especially for The Rolling Stones. There is no replacing him (everyone easily reliazes that). We live in a world without the total Rolling Stones. The day has come... wow. Does anyone have any clue as to how he passed? I think Kenny Jones said that Ronnie talked as if he was pretty ill at the end and it was not quite as sudden to them as was originally perceived? No. But that info will probably emerge after a while as death certificates in the UK are easy to access.  In the meantime, his family have understandably chosen to keep things private.

________________________________________

Kenny Jones illuded that in a phone call to Ronnie Wood
Ronnie sort of said they knew it was going to come. Now... not sure if he meant they knew one day one of them was going to pass on somehow some way .. or that he and the rest knew Charlie wasn't doing well and it was inevitable soon. The mini conversation pointed to the latter IMO.

Not saying he was ill for months but saying perhaps the last few weeks or few months Charlie was not doing well (though his statement and the bands statement never reflected that when it was revealed he was not going to tour).

IMO the checkup revealed something serious ..very serious and initially they thought he may have a good prognosis if everything went as planned but then he took a turn for the worse. I cant believe this has happened ... This is hard to type.

Im not in tears .. because I didnt know him personally .. you know but I must say .. I am 'sad' for Charlie Watts sake. Pretty glum.  Not because The Stones will never be the same .. but for the man and those close to him (natrually).

Rest in peace Charle Watts  :'(

Miss You!

https://www.rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-charliegif.gif

great gif Artscum

sirmoonie wrote on Aug 24^th, 2021 at 4:20pm:

Very sad day in the Stones universe.  Charlie Watts was a legend!

U good bro? It's Nation time- Stones Nation. We need ya!

https://i.imgur.com/NvlUAUy.jpg

FotiniD wrote on Aug 26^th, 2021 at 3:41am:

A bit morbid, but during the last few years there were times I'd been trying to prepare myself for a situation like this. But the thing is, no matter how your roll it over in your head and plan out the different scenarios and know that it's only logical that at this age something might happen, you're never prepared for how it'll hit you. I think this applies in every damn situation in life, you can never be prepared for the actual emotion of it. I haven't even gotten to process what this might mean for the band - to be honest, I don't care to. The loss of Charlie is so immense, I don't understand how e.g. people on IORR or elsewhere are arguing whether the Stones should go on with the tour. It's just not the time. I don't understand how one can have the energy to even think about that. Not to mention with the loss the Stones actually suffered, for what it's worth, they can close the shop, keep going until they all fall down or choose to only perform one song for the rest of their lives, and I'd still think it's ok. I can't even begin to imagine how it feels losing a friend you've known for your entire life, all those years.

Agree with you FotiniD very nice and touching words

GnR dedicated their show in San Jose last night to him, specifically doing 'Knockin On Heaven's Door' for Charlie....

lotsajizz wrote on Aug 26^th, 2021 at 10:48am:

GnR dedicated their show in San Jose last night to him, specifically doing 'Knockin On Heaven's Door' for Charlie....

https://youtu.be/LJe_GOQ7SDs

Lovely. All the tributes help me a lot. It's still sinking in slowly.

Another beautiful tribute by Ronnie:

https://www.ronniewood.com/

‘Not just a drummer – a genre’: Stewart Copeland and Max Weinberg  (The Guardian)


Stewart Copeland, the Police
I’m an early-period Stones fan, and not so much because of losing interest in them, but because when you’re 16, music is 100 times more important – and the Rolling Stones were right there when I was 16. Humans are sort of like ducks. A duck comes out of the shell, the first warm thing it sees is mama; for adolescent teenage humans, the first raucous sound of rebellion, that’s daddy. And in my generation, that sound was the Stones.

Charlie’s death is devastating and shocking partly on the account that Rolling Stones are not meant to perish – they’re indefatigable. They’ve outlasted everybody, which is ironic, because they’re the bad boys who stay out late and have three sugars in their tea. The libertine, rakish lifestyle they celebrated should have taken them down for their wretchedness, and yet they’ve survived everybody, so when we lose one it’s quite shocking. Finally the Grim Reaper has called, for probably the most virtuous of them all!

Prior to his death, the Rolling Stones had already found a replacement for their next tour, but you would have noticed the difference. All the drummers are saying: “No, Charlie was the Stones, there would be no Stones [without him]” – which is going a little far. But looking at it from the other angle, you sure will notice him when he’s not there any more. It’s sort of like the bass. People don’t listen to the bass, but you take it away, and wow, you really notice something’s missing. And that will certainly be true of Charlie. Every human has a distinct personality, some more distinct than others, and in musicians, that really comes to the fore. You can analyse Charlie Watts, but that still won’t get you to his feel and his distinct personality. It’s an X-factor, it’s a charisma, it’s an undefinable gift of God.

I can tell you about the technique, though. Drummers will argue about this long into the night: either how did John Bonham get that mountain of sound, or how did Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts get that feel? Technically, what it is, is that he leads with his right foot on the kick drum, which pushes the band forward. Meanwhile his left hand on the snare, the backbeat, is a little relaxed, a little lazy – and that combination of propulsion and relaxation is the technical definition of what he’s doing. But you can try it yourself, all you want, and it ain’t going to sound like Charlie.

He has caused a lot of damage out there, in the same way Jimi Hendrix came out with a wah-wah pedal – it was the ruination of many guitarists who didn’t get it and ruined their guitar playing with a wah-wah pedal. Similarly, drummers attempting to get that laid-back feel just sound lame. Behind the beat, that’s not good – you’ve got to do it in such a way, like Charlie. And there’s a synergy with those guitar riffs, and also with Mick Jagger, who is extremely rhythmic with his vocals – he, in that band, more than most, was part of the rhythm section. It’s a combination of those elements that makes it what it is.

Charlie described himself as a jazz drummer, but they all do that – in rock’n’roll, that’s sort of like saying “classically trained”. Rock musicians aspire to have jazz credibility – even Ginger Baker called himself a jazz drummer, for God’s sake. I’d say it was a futile enterprise: a member of the Rolling Stones denying being rock’n’roll is not very convincing! But one thing you can see of the jazz influence on him is that he went for groove, and derived power from relaxation. Most rock drummers are trying to kill something; they’re chopping wood. Jazz drummers instead tend to be very loose to get that jazz feel, and he had that quality. The jazz factor in Charlie wasn’t in the use of the ride cymbal going ting-ting-ti-ting, it was his overall body relaxation. It’s also why he hardly broke a sweat while driving the band to light up a stadium.


The biggest thing I learned from him is volume – he plays very quietly. Very early on, he discovered this wonderful device called the PA system: five billion watts of PA means that the drummer doesn’t have to work all that hard after all. When I was a young drummer, I was out there trying to kill every drum in sight, and it’s through watching Charlie that I realised: you know what? You can actually get a better sound out of your drums, and a better groove, if you relax.

As far as individual songs go, I’d pick out his work on Satisfaction: stripped down and simple, it just drives forward, nothing fancy. If you try and write that down, it’s like one bar repeated; four on the floor, and with the snare doubling. Then there’s Get Off My Cloud, which is the definitive drum intro to a track – that’s just iconic. And Jumpin’ Jack Flash, where the riffs, the drums and the vocals just come together. That’s the highest quality of a drummer. Buddy Rich, you go to see for the drum fills and the flashy stuff; you go to see a band, and they’re great or not due to the synergy, not due to the star quality. I’m afraid I’ve been slow to learn that lesson! I did learn to relax from Charlie, but I’m still a show-off, still too full of nervous energy.

Max Weinberg, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
When I was a kid in New Jersey, if you were looking for work, there’d be ads for musicians. In the mid-60s and 70s, they would invariably say: “Wanted: Charlie Watts type drummer”. Charlie is not just a drummer – he’s a genre. Every beat I play, there’s Charlie Watts in there someplace.

What he did that was unique with the Rolling Stones, was that while it was rock’n’roll, it was really blues. I have an opinion that the Stones have lasted because they’re essentially a blues band as opposed to being a pop band; blues is timeless. Of course, they are the greatest band in the world for a number of reasons, not the least of which is they call themselves the greatest band in the world. But on a drumming level, he was non-pareil – there was nobody quite like him. There are pretenders and contenders, but there’s only one Charlie Watts, and only ever will be – while not here in body, he will live for ever in the spirit of his drumming. It’s almost incomprehensible to think of a world, at least in my world, without Charlie Watts.

He fashioned himself after his favourite jazz drummers, among them the great English jazz drummer Phil Seaman, and Dave Tough, an American drummer who even looked like Charlie: a fastidious dresser, apparently with the most incredible groove and sound. Charlie became a proponent – as I am – of a style of rock drumming popularised by the late, great Al Jackson, the famous Stax drummer, where you deliberately play behind the direct backbeat. The way you do that – which is a little technical – is not by focusing on the two and the four beat, but the one and the three. Another example is James Brown’s music, which is heavily focused on landing on the one. It takes a long time to be able to do that. A drummer like that, you’re driving the bus, and the best drummers do that, to give the other musicians what they need. Charlie did it instinctually, or in some cases by osmosis by listening to the great drummers: Chick Webb, Kenny Clarke, Kenny Clare, Art Blakey, Max Roach.

He had a very signature drum fill. During the recording of what would become Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA album, Street Fighting Man was really intriguing me because of the sound, the toughness, the beat; the fact that it was apparently recorded on a tour drum set or a box, on a cassette player, and sounded incredibly dangerous and tough. Charlie does this thing where he plays, quickly, three eighth notes: bap-bap-bap. And when Bruce presented the groove to Born in the USA, it reminded me of Street Fighting Man, so on that song, I’m doing Charlie Watts.

Rocks Off is another of the best Charlie Watts performances. He does these rolling fills in the middle of phrases. It’s genius, but it’s not composed before it actually happened – because he’s a jazz drummer, he’s creating it in the moment. As he said in many interviews, he’s back there and he always imagined Charlie Parker or Miles Davis is standing up in front of him.

We developed a friendship. He was always an incredibly lovely, sophisticated individual. I first met him around 1979 or 1980 – the Stones were playing a couple of nights in Madison Square Garden, and I was tagging along for this interview for Modern Drummer with a friend of mine. He was wearing a three-piece Savile Row suit, just incredibly turned out, and invites us into his hotel room so he can unpack. He had two beautiful leather suitcases on the bed, and he opened them up. Everything was immaculately folded; there was a precise toiletries kit. It was the exact opposite of the way I travel on the road. He took his clothes out of his suitcases, put them on the bed, refolded them, and put them in the drawers. I had never used a drawer in a hotel room in 15 years of being on the road. I thought it was one of the coolest things I’d ever seen. We did this interview, ordered room service, and he realised he had to get picked up to go to the Garden. He went into the bedroom, and came out wearing sweatpants and a sort of ripped T-shirt. He’d looked like an English lord, with this handsome, aristocratic, craggy face, and now he’s so dressed down to go “play with them”, as he said. Not “go play with my band, our band”, it was always “them, the Stones”. There was this funny kind of distance.

Years passed. Charlie called me in 1989, and said the Stones were playing New York City in October. He remembered me telling him I was friends with Joe Morello – the Dave Brubeck Quartet drummer who was responsible for the odd metres that Brubeck played in Take Five and Blue Rondo a la Turk – and Mel Lewis, an incredible bop-era drummer. Charlie was a huge fan and said: “I don’t know why they would, but I would be over the moon if they would agree to come to Shea Stadium so I could say hello to them – I wouldn’t expect them to stay.” I said, “Charlie, I will do my best.” Mel hated rock’n’roll – one of those jazz guys where rock’n’roll represented the decline of western civilisation.

But we end up driving to Shea Stadium, and we’re being treated like royalty. They take us up in an elevator, and with the Rolling Stones – similar to Paul McCartney – there’s about 10 guest levels, and each level is slightly more VIP than the next. We’re led into the inner sanctum. I said: “Charlie, it’s my honour to introduce you to Joe and Mel.” And he grabbed each of their hands, and said: “Gentlemen, it’s such an honour to meet you.” Charlie had a million questions: “When you played with Wynton Kelly and you did that little roll, how did you do that? Joe, could you show me exactly what you’re doing on Take Five?” He was a kid on Christmas, a smile from ear to ear. Me, I couldn’t believe I pulled this off.

They wanted to stay for the concert. Joe was blind, he couldn’t enjoy the spectacle, but he said to me: “Boy, Charlie Watts is a hell of a drummer, what a strong sense of time, he really anchors that band.” Mel, meanwhile – this is a guy who for 45 years had railed against rock’n’roll, and he completely loved it, every aspect of it. He got the musicality, the spectacle, and he was most impressed of all with Charlie’s drumming. What impresses drummers is: is what you’re doing appropriate to the music you’re playing? That’s what Mel Lewis was really impressed with: “Boy, he’s nailing it down!” On the drive home, Mel is saying, “I still don’t like rock’n’roll, but that was a hell of an experience. And your friend, I see why they’re called the greatest band – if you have to play rock drums, that’s the way rock drums should be played.”

Last time I saw Charlie was in Newark at the Prudential Centre a couple of years ago, the day before Bruce sat in with them and played Tumbling Dice. I reminded him that some 50 years before, I had seen them on 7 November 1965, down the street from here. They opened with Everybody Needs Somebody to Love by Solomon Burke, and played for about half an hour. There was a contest to win the spot to open for them, and my band didn’t get it. I was in the second row, and their big hit was Get Off of My Cloud – they played that and it sounded exactly like the record.

In the arena, we were standing against this wall, and he had his blue Rolling Stones-branded windbreaker on, that he always wore in later years. We were reminiscing about all that time that had gone by – an incredibly gracious guy, lovely guy. And when he went out to play, he took off the jacket with the tongue logo, he folded it, he handed it to his assistant, and sat down. If I was going to look like anyone else playing the drums, I’d want it to be Charlie Watts.


https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/aug/26/stewart-copeland-max-weinberg-on-charlie-watts-rolling-stones?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook&fbclid=IwAR02fOEQYCTN-DL5x5fACmYkohraD2R2RyFho48RgueyYbHe23J5_ZlgJTI

Some shows from the BBC radio archives featuring Charlie that are available to listen for the next 28 days. Charlie talking about music is always a great listen.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p09t3b1m

'The First Time With Charlie Watts' (December 25, 2011)
(60 mins)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b018h4fr

Another chance to hear Charlie Watts discussing the musical milestones of his life in an interview with Matt Everitt first broadcast in 2011.

Jagger's ego might always occupy the centre stage, and Richards is the archetypal elegantly wasted rocker - but the heart of the Rolling Stones has to be drummer Charlie Watts.

His distinctive and deceptively powerful drumming has propelled the group throughout their career and countless hits. Other members may come and go, but as Keith himself admits: no Charlie? No Stones.

In this rare interview, Charlie tells of his life as the least rock 'n' roll but always charming Stone. With his deadpan wit and laconic style, he recalls his pre-Stones career and the early, starving-in-a-bedsit days of what would become one of the greatest bands in the world, as well as the roots of his overriding passion, jazz.

He also sheds a light on his role in the complex relationships within the group; their golden years of recording; his own brief but hard-fought battle with heroin; and whether the Stones would, or could ever, tour again.

'Desert Island Discs'   25th February 2001 (44 mins)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09t4v87

The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts spoke to Sue Lawley in 2001.

DISC ONE: Out of Nowhere by Charlie Parker
DISC TWO: Night and Day by Frank Sinatra
DISC THREE: Dance of the Coachmen and Grooms (from Petrushka) by Stravinsky
DISC FOUR: The Reunion Party by Tony Hancock / Sid James
DISC FIVE: Jack the Bear by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
DISC SIX: The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams
DISC SEVEN: Fourth Test match - England / Australia - July 1956
DISC EIGHT: The Way You Look Tonight by Jerome Kern

BOOK CHOICE: Collected Poems 1934-52 by Dylan Thomas
LUXURY ITEM: Drumsticks
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Dance of the Coachmen and Grooms (from Petrushka) by Stravinsky

'Charlie Watts Talks to Jamie Cullum' 20 November 2012 (17 mins)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09t3b42

As a tribute to the Rolling Stones drummer, who has died at the age of 80, another chance to hear his interview with Radio 2's Jamie Cullum.

Jamie meets up with Charlie in Paris to talk about The Rolling Stones, drumming and his lifelong passion for jazz.

Charlie remembers the artists he first heard when he was younger that inspired his style of drumming, from Howlin' Wolf to Earl Palmer, and the pair discuss the slick fashion of jazz musicians, who have influenced Charlie's own style.

Charlie also confides in what it was like drumming with The Stones, and shares some great memories from the last fifty years


plus

'The People's Playlist'  26th August 2021. (28 mins)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000zjtd
The People's Playlist celebrates the life and music of Charlie Watts from The Rolling Stones, with all the songs chosen by you.

https://www.facebook.com/therollingstones/videos/828495107822917

www.rollingstones.com

https://rollingstones.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/charlie-watts.jpg

Izzy Stradlin rarely posts anything:

https://twitter.com/IzzyStradlin999/status/1430358581837135876?s=20

The Wick wrote on Aug 27^th, 2021 at 12:30pm:

Izzy Stradlin rarely posts anything: https://twitter.com/IzzyStradlin999/status/1430358581837135876?s=20

LOL Wick, and this was not the exception  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Nick Mason of Pink Floyd

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E9oL2A9XMAAnw3c.jpg

BBC Four just broadcast a 30-minute 'Charlie Watts at the BBC' special

Featured clips were Top of the Pops 1965, the Montreux rehearsals in 1972, live sessions with the ABCD of Boogie Woogie and with Dave Green. Plus a couple of interviews.

If you're in the UK and have a TV licence you should be able to view/download it here tomorrow :

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000zk7z

(thanks to The Juf for tipping me off that it was on)

Perks is gutted. Thanks for everything Charlie.

This is very depressing. Charlie was such a nice guy. A gifted musician well-educated on the history of music. He had such a unique sound. It was his gift to the world, that amazing sound.

And now he's gone.

Charlie Watts is gone.

This interview made me laugh for one of the few times this week

Charlie and Woody talking to Clash magazine from February 2018 to promote the upcoming European tour.  They’re both on great form here - Charlie’s disdain at every mention of social media is pretty hilarious

Thanks to Denton for providing the link

https://youtu.be/QQZqUa7NMwM

Red Hot Chili Peppers Drummer Chad Smith: My Day With Charlie Watts


Smith got a lesson in curiosity, humility, and class when he spent a day with Watts in 2018

By HANK SHTEAMER


https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/charlie-watts-chad-smith.jpg
"He was just very curious, which I found enlightening," Chad Smith says of meeting Charlie Watts.

Daniel Knighton/Getty Images; Jane Barlow/PA Wire/AP




In the fall of 1994, Chad Smith was in the middle of a soundcheck at the Rose Bowl, where the Red Hot Chili Peppers were about to open for the Rolling Stones, when his drum tech started gesturing to him with his head. “I look over and he was giving me one of those [motions], like, ‘Hey, look over here,’ and I look by the monitor desk and Charlie Watts was standing there. It was a warm Los Angeles afternoon, and he’s in a perfect suit. I’m like, [mock-sheepishly] ‘Ah, shit, Charlie fuckin’ Watts is watching me …’ “

As it turned out, the Stones drummer wasn’t there to offer any kind of critique. He just wanted to talk drums. “I finish, I go over: ‘Charlie, nice to meet you.’ [Imitating soft English accent] ‘Oh, man, you sound great.’ ‘Oh, wow, thank you.’ And I had a green-sparkle drum set at the time. He says, ‘Oh, is that a new one?’ And I said, ‘No, the company makes them.’ And he goes, ‘I’ve got one; [jazz drummer] Mel Lewis has one like that.’ That was his thing; he connected with the color of the drums.”For Smith, the moment perfectly captured both the late Stones drummer‘s low-key demeanor and his discerning aesthetic sense, the way he knew exactly what he wanted out of his instrument both visually and sonically. It would take nearly 25 years, but Smith, a longtime Stones fan, eventually got to enjoy some more extended face time with Watts — and soak up decades’ worth of drumming lore — when spent a day with him in Oxnard, California, touring the headquarters of the DW drum company and interviewing him for the Drum Channel. Smith took some time on Wednesday to reminisce about that magical day, and to reflect on Watts’ unassuming mastery behind the kit.

I did have a chance to spend a whole day with [Charlie]. … This company DW, he plays their snare drums and I also do, and I got a chance to hang out with him. We went through their factory, [me and] him and Jim Keltner, another very good friend of his and another amazing drummer. And then I got to interview him for about an hour and a half, and, you know, Charlie Watts, he’s known to be kind of reserved and he doesn’t do a lot of interviews that I know of, but he was gracious and he wanted to talk drums. And mainly, all he wanted to talk about was jazz: … [saxophonist] Gerry Mulligan and, “I heard Charlie Parker and I wanted to go to New York and do that.” …

We went out to lunch at this little restaurant that the president of the company, Don Lombardi, takes everybody to. It’s a little hole-in-the-wall place. It was in the afternoon and it was probably around Tuesday or Wednesday and there’s like six people in there and we walk in. And, you know, I’ve been with other recognizable people, and you see [people] pointing and the whole thing, but it was interesting to see — first of all, he was impeccably dressed, as he’s famous for, beautiful linen light-blue suit and his shoes were not the same color as his shirt but matched in a really tasteful, classy way. He looked super cool as he always did. And drummers kind of have a reputation as the gruff guys in the background and the knuckle-dragging drummers that [mock-caveman voice] hit stuff for a living. Charlie wasn’t that; he was smart and articulate, but he was really interested in everything, and he was very good friends with Keltner and wanted to know how his family was, and what he was playing on and what new instrument ideas [he had]. He was just very curious, which I found enlightening because he could just sit back and say, “Hey, this is what I do and that’s it. I’m good.” He seemed really youthful in that way.

But all the people at the restaurant, like the busboy, would come over: “Can I get you a new small plate?” And the guy would come over with the water, like everyone in the restaurant wanted to be around the flame, and he was very gracious to all of them. Super, super nice, and seemed very authentic. No airs and no put-ons, just talking to the people [at DW who were] making the shells and the edges of the drums, and wanting to know what their thought process was about how they’re making these beautiful instruments and always so complimentary. He just kind of flowed with this grace.

And again, he just wanted to talk about all things jazz. He was a collector of drum sets of drummers like Elvin Jones and Mel Lewis and he would acquire their instruments and he’s like, “I never see them. … They’re in my storage somewhere, but I get them because I want it to be known that these instruments are taken care of.” So there’s a warehouse full of drums, like, amazing drums, that Charlie Watts has, and he’s not a collector like, “Oh, I’m going to try to collect this one, and sell this,” or anything like that. He just wanted them to have a home and be taken care of. I found that really nice and sweet and kind.

And he told me, he said, “Chad, I see so many drummers who want to play fast and a lot of notes, and that’s great. I marvel at that. But the most important thing is your ears, to be a good listener.” He says, “All the great jazz players, because they improvised so much, you had to be a great listener. And I learned that really young.”

The [John] Bonhams and those guys, there was more of technique thing … and Ginger Baker with his long drum solos. I don’t think Charlie Watts ever did a drum solo, did he? He was [in] a supportive role: “This is what I do; this is my part in the band. And I know how to do it, I do it well, I make it feel good. …”

[And] he kept playing forever. Ringo Starr, also an incredibly amazing musician, but you gotta remember, [the Beatles] stopped touring in 1966. The Stones never really stopped, and kept making records, so we’ve had this full spectrum [of work].

Going back to what I was saying, he was curious. Even the Chili Peppers, [he’d ask], “What are you listening to?” or “What do you like?” Interested in new things, but not trying to copy [them] — just being open to that influence and it’s going to seep into your playing. … And I think that that’s why [his playing was so adaptable to various eras]. To me, it didn’t sound like [the Stones] were trying [to play current musical styles] in a premeditated way. It was just, “This is how we do it” — still Mick Jagger, still Keith Richards, still the Stones, and still Charlie. Like “Miss You,” four on the floor? They weren’t doing that in 1965, 1970, but it was great! It didn’t sound like some disco rip-off. It was the Stones doing that because they liked it.

What a body of work. I really love the Mick Taylor–era Stones, the Exiles, and Sticky Fingers. … I mean, you put “Brown Sugar” on, and you’d have to be dead not to dance to that. It’s amazing. And again, nothing fancy, but just the feel of it. … A Charlie Watts backbeat, it’s where you place it. Fast or slow, he was great. He could play those ballads so great: “Wild Horses,” and, I don’t know, name me a Rolling Stones song that doesn’t feel great. You can get lucky once or twice and make a recording, but to do it for 58 years playing so many iconic hits, to me that just speaks for itself, his body of work. And that’s what’s so great, that we’ll always have that, the legacy of that, and we’ll be able to listen to that music forever. That’s a beautiful gift.

- Rolling Stone
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/charlie-watts-red-hot-chili-peppers-chad-smith-tribute-1217134/

Here's Chad's 30-minute interview with Charlie from 2018

https://www.drumchannel.com/dc-originals-chad-smith-show-featuring-charlie-watts/

https://youtu.be/lfU4OVwYpG8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faOudlMlWIc

Cool  interview, eh?

Sorry if this has been posted before.

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCxlPRUll-U[/url}

Jesus fucking Christ, this is the one I wanted to post.  Jesus.  Old age and all.

Sorry if its been posted before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCxlPRUll-U

This one!  Jesus fucking Christ, I'm as bad as my 85 year old dad.  Sorry, I don't hang out on the internet much anymore.  I'm a retardical in that regardical.

Charlie Watts!

New from Keith:

https://twitter.com/officialKeef/status/1431611912362528768?s=20

nice read, with a few photos I've never seen before


Charlie Watts: Devon village remembers its resident Rolling Stone


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-58363801

Dead & Co, the Last Time dedicated to Charlie Watts

https://youtu.be/crJUTLSbRK4

Jason Isabell dedicates Moonlight Mile and CYHMKCharlie

https://youtu.be/f-Xb8YMXBB8

Galaxisok - Charlie Watts tribute (Fishing On Orfű 2021)

https://youtu.be/w8Q00-HCtGw

The Foo Fighters tribute:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLqG1X6j1WI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWz80XpK7A

I can't imagine how painful it must be to prepare and gear up for this tour after losing Charlie. You've just lost a best friend who was always there right behind you and now you gotta go on stage without him in front of thousands expecting you to entertain them have fun and act like everything's just fine...

I hope our boys are hanging in there.

I find that I cannot listen to any Stones music.

Charlie Watts showed us how a man could be – cool, modest and always classy
Barbara Ellen

In the ego-riddled world of rock’n’roll, the Rolling Stones drummer was the model of a grown-up

Sun 29 Aug 2021 08.30 BST


I was fortunate enough to meet Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones drummer who died on Tuesday, interviewing him in 2000 for one of his beloved jazz projects. In the interview, I managed to call George Harrison “the bass player of the Beatles”. Still, I got some things right, writing: “Charlie’s the Stone who is so universally well liked that he commands instant respect without trying.”

It soon became apparent when his death was announced that the response was about honouring a great musician – the rock’n’roll legend, the lifelong jazz aficionado – but also a lot more. There was the standard emotional outpouring, the shock and dismay, that sense of grief-ownership that hits you: “Oh no, not Charlie!” However irrational such feelings are (Watts was 80, not 20), it nevertheless stings when one of “your own” artists takes their final bow. But something else was noteworthy: the reaction, immense and heartfelt, was also courteous, genuine, adult.


There may have been some fetid corners of the online world mired in denigration but it struck me that this was one of the most uniformly respectful and gracious mass reactions to a celebrity’s death; it felt as if the entire internet was making an effort to behave itself. Which made a funny kind of sense: this, after all, was Charlie Watts – not just a gentleman, but also the consummate grown-up in the kindergarten of rock’n’roll. Watts’s fine musicianship can be taken as read: the pristine timing, the self-possession, the swing, the spark that expensive equipment can’t buy. You get the sense that he wasn’t just admired by other musicians, he was studied, like an unofficial degree course. Fellow drummers haven’t been paying homage to him in platitudes – they’ve been going deep into detail, the small print of professional respect.

Still, Charlie’s appeal went beyond music. Here was a rarity: someone who was 100% his own man. Someone who knew exactly who he was when he first joined the Stones and continued to know right to the end. No small feat after a lifetime in the rock business, well known to be a raging bin-fire of towering egos, lost souls and not a little fragile masculinity. And you could probably at least triple that madness and pressure for the Rolling Stones.

Against this backdrop, Watts was always going to stand out, with his elegant bespoke suits (the odd dodgy oversize lapel aside, it was a hard no to the hippy tat in which the other Stones were often festooned), those abiding jazz passions and, bar a druggy interlude in the 1980s, that personal credo of reserve, courtesy and abhorrence of rock’n’roll excess and cliche. This included staying happily and faithfully married to wife, sculptress Shirley, for nearly 60 years.

This was a singular kind of man, increasingly uncommon, not just in music, but in life – exuding an old-fashioned kind of decency, marinating in charisma. Dated would be the wrong word: timeless.

The key to Watts keeps coming back to his strength of character, a stubborn refusal to be anything other than himself. Rebelling against society alongside your tribe is one thing; a refusenik rebelling against his tribe (with suits, jazz projects and the rest) is more interesting and complicated. Sometimes, there seemed to be an element of cultural social distancing in how Watts dealt with the Stones, the impression that he clocked on and off in a “day job” in the most celebrated rock band on Earth, that he was a Stone with a small-case “s”, whose hinterland lay elsewhere.

Then again, perhaps this was overplayed. Lord knows, Watts stuck out the Stones madness for all those decades, so to borrow 1960s parlance, he must have “dug it”. (It was also, of course, a well-remunerated gig.) He told me and many others that he was proud to be in the band. It could be that Watts just didn’t want to get sucked in, to the point that he wouldn’t be able to get out again. That individualism again, whatever the pressures or the cost. As the infamous tale has it, Mick Jagger once drunkenly phoned Watts, demanding: “Where’s my drummer?” and Watts put on his suit, went to see Jagger, punched him and said: “You’re my singer.”

Watts, the trained graphic designer, knew when to draw a line, how to stand up in a world of mega-ego and misbehaviour and say: “I don’t need this gig that much.”

What are these rare men about? There’s always the danger when somebody dies that secrets start scuttling out, like insects at a picnic, but I hope not in this case. This isn’t just about the music business; we live in a world that increasingly caters to access-all-areas swipe left/swipe right-style self-gratification. Women, especially, may feel that they live in a world of not enough decency, not enough Charlies.

Can the Stones carry on without him? The short answer is: they already have. They’ve brought in a replacement drummer, Steve Jordan, for the latest tour, with Watts’s blessing before he died, and they’re now saying that they’ll continue to tour in his honour. Can it truly be the Rolling Stones without Charles Robert Watts? Over the years, all the Stones brought something to the party, but Watts contributed one of the most difficult and precious things of all: class. RIP, Mr Watts. No wonder the internet behaved itself.

Barbara Ellen is an Observer columnist

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/29/charlie-watts-showed-us-what-a-man-could-be-cool-modest-always-classy?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR1eM8KYaPP6YcN9adAyHXbQH59QgErGUMXqhRgmwWNnbXlU4Y9-U_3LRDw

The Stones' Carnaby Street store closed in the wake of Charlie's passing. Here's an AP report from today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfUykNSocjg

A bit sobering to watch this now. The conclusion and final bows from the last Stones show to date on this day in Miami two years ago  :'(  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjPqhezkv8Q

Steel Wheels wrote on Aug 29^th, 2021 at 5:58am:

I find that I cannot listen to any Stones music.

I have been listening the Stones and Charlie, I'm still sad, cannot concentrate, took some days off

Did anyone else find If You Can't Rock Me a strange choice for the tribute song? Maybe there is something on the inside about the song, but to an outsider, the refrain is a little odd: "if you can't rock me, somebody will"

Waiting on a Friend may have been obvious, but with Sonny Rollins on there, would have made more sense.

The Wick wrote on Aug 30^th, 2021 at 4:27pm:

Did anyone else find If You Can't Rock Me a strange choice for the tribute song? Maybe there is something on the inside about the song, but to an outsider, the refrain is a little odd: "if you can't rock me, somebody will" Waiting on a Friend may have been obvious, but with Sonny Rollins on there, would have made more sense.

Listen to the first 2 lines...it will make sense

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-EdUE0X0AgVVSE.jpg

Charlie by Rufus with thanks to Howell J. Malham Jr.

Ode To Another High Flying Bird
In Memoriam of Charlie Watts
Howell J. Malham Jr.
4 hours ago·9 min read

https://howell-5462.medium.com/ode-to-another-high-flying-bird-6c590d91559a

https://miro.medium.com/max/1400/1*PaLP7Dw_mbJty_YnGmjsjw.jpeg

The image is the same but are two cuts and different sizes

Let's not get tooo miserable as sin, or synth, please
"I'm simply dying for some thrills and spills. Hoh yea'.'

:-[

there doesn't seem to be any info about his funeral .
not that i necessarily need a full report with pictures,
but it would be nice to know when it is/was ...?

Doubt its happened yet and I'd imagine it would be a private event, maybe with a memorial service later. With the band in the US and with covid regulations as they are, I'd be surprised if any of them would be able to attend the funeral.

The IORR thread about this topic (funeral arrangements) is infuriating...some of those maniacs are just so classless, invasive and < fill-in the next word >...truly...there's even a debate as to whether Charlie was Jewish and if he will be cremated or not...as if THEY have ANY inside info on those decisions/arrangements...I feel like punching some faces over there...

I don't know why I keep going in there, clearly, knowing it will make my head explode...maybe my insecurities are coming back up...need to discuss with my shrink...

As Stones fans we are all trying to figure out this crazy world and now we have to do it without our drummer.

Some Guy wrote on Aug 31^st, 2021 at 11:28am:

As Stones fans we are all trying to figure out this crazy world and now we have to do it without our drummer.

^^^ This just made me fall apart ^^^

This forum has only had two names: "ROCKS OFF - The Rolling Stones Message Board" and "ROCKS OFF - The Charlie Watts Message Board", because we consider without any doubt the importance of Charlie in the band and not only as a musician. Today is exactly the 20th anniversary of a concert I organize with  Mick Taylor, my plan was to put a header of a picture of that day with a link to a premiere of one of the songs played... but babies... it's so hard to put a non-Charlie header, not the moment…

RIP Charlie, I miss you

Holden wrote on Aug 29^th, 2021 at 3:42am:

I can't imagine how painful it must be to prepare and gear up for this tour after losing Charlie. You've just lost a best friend who was always there right behind you and now you gotta go on stage without him in front of thousands expecting you to entertain them have fun and act like everything's just fine... I hope our boys are hanging in there.

Holden... that was very touching, agree 100%; I can't imagine how they are going to handle that and specially the way they are going to make a tribute to Charlie

sirmoonie wrote on Aug 28^th, 2021 at 12:58am:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCxlPRUll-U This one!  Jesus fucking Christ, I'm as bad as my 85 year old dad.  Sorry, I don't hang out on the internet much anymore.  I'm a retardical in that regardical. Charlie Watts!

Nice to see we are circling the wagons.

New tweet from Ronnie. He is clearly in pain. I still can't believe that he's gone.

https://twitter.com/ronniewood/status/1432782229151825928?s=20

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-G7057VUAYJ4w0.jpg

With thanks to タイザン / TAIZAN

It's astonishing that Charlie's gone forever and the rest of the band has not had enough time to grieve this terrible loss. How is MICK going to be waving and dancing and yelling "are you feeling good?" I don't think we are ready to hear that phrase quite yet. I have tickets to Nashville, Tampa, Vegas and Detroit.  I'm going, even though I feel terrible about it. I might even cry and get all emotional the first time I see them without him. Instead of feeling good, I might actually feel bad. But if they can go on,  I guess I can too. 

Though it won't stop feeling immensely sad, I keep thinking these past few days what a wonderful life Charlie had. Full of unique experiences, good friends, doing what he loved, seeing the entire world, having a loving family. It doesn't make it easier, but it's still good to know he's had such a fulfilling time on this plane of being. I think it's what anyone would want.

The great Kenny Aronoff on Charlie Watts, with a great story at minute 1:24.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu3JKlf3Kgo

Fabio sent three artworks for Charlie the other day and one today, they will be headers but in the meantime heree they are in big size

https://rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-fabio1.jpg

https://rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-fabio3.jpg

https://rocksoff.org/headers2021/j1-fabio4.png

EXCLUSIVE: Rolling Stones' new drummer Steve Jordan is 'just like Charlie Watts' sister says
Steve, 64, will join Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards on the Rolling Stones’ 13-date No Filter tour in the US, which starts next month after Charlie Watts died last week at the age of 80.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/rolling-stones-new-drummer-steve-24860584.amp

https://youtu.be/M1_6z9oqet8

For all the discussion about how tough it will be to see them on stage without Charlie, the much tougher one will be when we hear the new album because unless there is something else out there after that album, it's the very last time any of us will hear him playing on something new.

The Wick wrote on Sep 2^nd, 2021 at 1:29pm:

For all the discussion about how tough it will be to see them on stage without Charlie, the much tougher one will be when we hear the new album because unless there is something else out there after that album, it's the very last time any of us will hear him playing.

So true, I made the mistake of re-watching the clip they'd released during the first Covid quarantine ( ? ), when they were playing YCAGWYW over Zoom or something and Charlie's video feed was the last to load. And then there he was, drumming away on boxes or whatever. Wasn't this the last time we saw them playing "together"? It broke me so bad, imagine actually listening to the last album.

FotiniD wrote on Sep 2^nd, 2021 at 2:08pm:

The Wick wrote on Sep 2nd, 2021 at 1:29pm: For all the discussion about how tough it will be to see them on stage without Charlie, the much tougher one will be when we hear the new album because unless there is something else out there after that album, it's the very last time any of us will hear him playing. So true, I made the mistake of re-watching the clip they'd released during the first Covid quarantine ( ? ), when they were playing YCAGWYW over Zoom or something and Charlie's video feed was the last to load. And then there he was, drumming away on boxes or whatever. Wasn't this the last time we saw them playing "together"? It broke me so bad, imagine actually listening to the last album.

One thing's for sure,  Watts' last show in Miami was an absolute killer of a show. A rain storm during gimme shelter,  an upcoming hurricane, and a blistering satisfaction.

Tim Ries about Charlie, with thanks to Christopher McKittrick (Can't Give It Away on Seventh Avenue)

I Played Jazz With Charlie Watts For 20 Years. Here's What I Learned
September 2, 20218:00 AM ET


https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02/1033382555/charlie-watts-jazz-remembrance-rolling-stone

I just read this on my news app and came over to give the link. Lo and behold Voodoo was already on it.
Great read indeed.

Rick

Charlie Charlie Charlie!!!

Charlie! Swings!
https://youtu.be/Lg1uoTPbMTs?t=194

https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/charlie-watts-love-3.jpg

This is cool.

https://youtu.be/hz1jXOHHVws


Charlie Watts Upstages Mick Jagger

funny shit indeed

Remembrance: Drummer Steve Ferrone On Charlie Watts' Enduring Legacy
10:06 AM, Friday, 9/03/2021 By: Andy Gensler

https://www.pollstar.com/Image/Photos/2021/09/1e517b7d-41ee-4c51-ab6a-23dd7e8ed577-c.drummers.jpg

https://www.pollstar.com/article/remembrance-drummer-steve-ferrone-on-charlie-watts-enduring-legacy-148747

Danny Saber had a board mix of 'Out of Control'

He did a little video tribute to Charlie with the audio ... It is interesting to see and hear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_wAwRI_J0o&list=RDR_wAwRI_J0o&start_radio=1

Ian Billen wrote on Sep 3^rd, 2021 at 8:35pm:

Danny Saber had a board mix of 'Out of Control' He did a little video tribute to Charlie with the audio ... It is interesting to see and hear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_wAwRI_J0o&list=RDR_wAwRI_J0o&start_radio=1

Thanks. That was magic and thanks to Danny Saber.

Thanks to Pauline (The Juf) for sending me the link to this excellent radio tribute broadcast on 'Rhythm & Roots' yesterday.

Some superb interviews with Ian Stewart and Charlie (plus Dick Heckstall-Smith and a short clip with Keith) talking about the early days of the Stones. Well worth 84 minutes of your time.

http://www.rootsparadise.com/roots/index.php

This was posted on the day after Charlie's death but didn't see it until today

Kenney Jones (Small Faces, Faces, The Who and the drummer on It's only Rock and Roll) talks about Charlie and Ronnie:

EXCLUSIVE: Faces legend Kenney Jones says Charlie Watts' death hit Ronnie Wood 'like a ton of bricks'
Faces drummer Kenney Jones pays tribute to "wonderful" Charlie Watts as he says how pal Ronnie Wood was left shell-shocked by his death
ByT om Bryant
Head of Showbiz
23:00, 25 Aug 2021UPDATED23:35, 25 Aug 2021

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/faces-legend-kenney-jones-says-24839639

https://youtu.be/iy8ainiXIKQ

Chris Carter's British Invasion (on LSUG Sirius XM Channel 21) did an excellent 4 hr Charlie tribute 2 Sundays ago. I believe you can still get it on the app. Carter programs the show himself and it covered every period of the Stones and where Charlie SHINED.

Voodoo Chile in Wonderland wrote on Sep 4^th, 2021 at 8:07pm:

This was posted on the day after Charlie's death but didn't see it until today Kenney Jones (Small Faces, Faces, The Who and the drummer on It's only Rock and Roll) talks about Charlie and Ronnie: EXCLUSIVE: Faces legend Kenney Jones says Charlie Watts' death hit Ronnie Wood 'like a ton of bricks' Faces drummer Kenney Jones pays tribute to "wonderful" Charlie Watts as he says how pal Ronnie Wood was left shell-shocked by his death ByT om Bryant Head of Showbiz 23:00, 25 Aug 2021UPDATED23:35, 25 Aug 2021 https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/faces-legend-kenney-jones-says-24839639

In other Faces news.....
https://www.nme.com/news/music/faces-have-recorded-14-new-songs-since-reforming-3037483

Rolling Stones keyboardist, Alabama native Chuck Leavell’s lovely tribute to Charlie Watts
September 5, 2021

https://chuckleavell.com/2021/09/05/rolling-stones-keyboardist-alabama-native-chuck-leavells-lovely-tribute-to-charlie-watts/

‘The calm in the storm’: Bernard Fowler, Tim Ries talk about losing their friend, Charlie Watts
By: CINDY STAGOFF | 21 HOURS AGO  (NJ Arts)

https://i1.wp.com/www.njarts.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/watts.jpg
CHARLIE WATTS, 1941-2021




He was such a unique, beautiful person,” said Tim Ries about legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who died on Aug. 24. “I sure loved him. I miss him terribly.”

Often described as one of the greatest rock drummers of his generation, Watts not only kept time for the band, but was the heart and soul of the group, according to Ries and Bernard Fowler, whom I spoke with last week. Ries has played saxophone and keyboards with the Stones since 1999, while Fowler has sung and played percussion for them since 1989.

“As long as there are people on Earth, there’s going to be people listening to Charlie Watts play,” said Ries. “Some 16-year-old kid, 50 years from now, is going to be introduced to the Stones and hear Charlie Watts and he’s going to be living on.”

Also, said Ries, “He was a very distinguished gentleman, very well dressed — not just a classy person, a beautiful human being. The Earth is a better place knowing that he walked on these grounds.

“As a musician, he’s a great jazz drummer that played with the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band. His way of playing the instrument and his kind of swing element of playing the drums created the sound of the Stones … obviously with Mick and Keith, too, and their iconic songs. Keith was quoted as saying in ’79 that ‘Charlie Watts is the Stones.’ ”

Fowler called Watts “the calm in the storm, aside from being in charge of the engine that drove the band. He was always there and always solid. Keith and I used to call him Charlie 2000” (a reference to a drum machine).

Ries called Watts “one of the kindest, most gentle people I had ever met. He always had time for everybody. He would take time to spend time with a guest of mine. He would let them come backstage and take a picture. He was just very open and a very giving person to everybody. He was like a cool uncle that you wish you had.”



Last week, Fowler and Ries joined the band’s rehearsals in New England to prepare for a 12-date tour that kicks off on Sept. 26 in St. Louis. While they have packed their bags before many times in preparation for touring, this time is different. When they practice with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood, Steve Jordan — who has played in Richards’ side project the X-Pensive Winos, among many other groups — will be sitting behind the drums. (Several weeks before Watts’ death, the Stones announced that Jordan would be playing drums on the tour, since Watts was too ill to make it.)

Fowler takes some solace in the fact that Jordan was selected by Watts to join the band on this tour.

“It’s bittersweet,” he said. “We miss him so much, but the thing that is really important, that means something to me, is that (Jordan) is sitting in that chair because of Charlie Watts. … Charlie chose that and called Steve and gave him his blessing.

“I almost feel like we are here because of Charlie. He would want them (the Stones) to forge on. He was such a considerate cat. I’m sure he thought about the amount of people that would be affected if he let them down.”

“Steve is one of the greatest drummers, one of my favorite players,” said Ries. “It’s gonna be different. But he will sound amazing.”

I spoke with Ries on the day before he left for rehearsal from his home in New Jersey, and with Fowler during a break on his first day of rehearsals, about their close connection to Watts.

Both forged a friendship with Watts (and each other) that extended offstage. They collaborated with Watts on outside music projects, explored jazz clubs together and talked about music over dinner.

Fowler said he has had periods of sadness, “but being here with the cats is healing. We are all in the same place. It’s a shock. I’m sure they (Jagger, Richards and Wood) knew more than I did. I thought that he was on the mend after his surgery. I was hopeful that he was, at the very least, going to join us next year.”

Both Fowler and Ries spoke about Watts’ jazz-influenced drumming style, his elegant and graceful manner, and his swing. He cultivated his passion for jazz from a very young age, which shaped the sound of the Stones, they said.

But they also spoke about his warmth and kindness.

“He was not ‘a’ gentleman — he was ‘the’ gentleman,” said Fowler. “When I first entered the Rolling Stone world 33 years ago, there was a storm and, in that storm, there was always calm. And that came from him. … Charlie was the reason why I’m able to venture into the jazz world. I sang on three of his jazz recordings. Charlie was a jazz aficionado; he wasn’t just a fan of the music. You name the artist and he could tell you who played on his record and where that record was recorded. That was who he was.

“But that’s not all he was. Charlie had his ear to the ground. He tried to stay current even though he wasn’t a fan of the new popular genres. I remember about two tours ago, we were in rehearsal and we were talking about hip-hop. Charlie said to me, ‘Bernard, Dr. Dre — “Keep Their Heads Ringin.” ‘ I said ‘Yeah man, I’m grooving on that track, Charlie.’ He said, ‘It’s not my favorite genre of music but, Bernard, I quite like that song.’ Charlie dug that track. He was aware.”

Watts also liked the rapper Ludacris, Fowler said.

Ries said that some band members were already rehearsing before he left to join them. “Mick and Keith and Ronnie are there with Steve Jordan on drums and (keyboardist) Chuck Leavell and (bassist) Darryl Jones,” he said, last week. “They’ve already been rehearsing for a couple of weeks now. So, for us (Ries and Fowler), arriving next week, it’s going to be a shock and weird walking in the room and seeing the drums.

“There’s been waves of sadness and crying and missing him. The first rehearsal is going to be difficult. And then the first gig onstage in front of people, that’s going to be another a hard night. There’s going to be waves of difficulty over the course of many years.

“We knew he wasn’t going to be on this tour because he was not well, but the hope was that he would get better and then next year — the 60th anniversary of the band — I assumed that they’d be thinking about touring, and then he’d be healthy enough for that tour.”


Watts started his career playing in a jazz band, and continued playing in jazz groups he led himself, while in the Stones.

“Charlie created a new way of playing rock music on drums,” said Ries. “His touch on the drums, swing feel … it’s very unique. You have Keith Richards coming more from blues and early rock influences, combine that with Charlie’s influence with jazz … that’s what created the Stones. So in a sense, the Stones did create a whole new genre. And Mick is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. In the last 50 or 60 years, there’s a handful of people — and Mick is one of them, like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, James Brown — who when they get onstage, you’re galvanized by their presence.”

Watts, said Ries, “would never think of himself as such a great drummer. He didn’t like taking drum solos. He was modest and humble.”

Among the jazz drummers who influenced Watts the most were Max Roach and Roy Haynes. “This is what he saw live, growing up in London and then moving to New York,” said Ries. “The level of musicianship has been set by the masters of the instrument, so once that has happened, you are humbled by the music and you try to attain the highest level that you can.

“He played an old Gretsch set of drums, which is like what a lot of old jazz drummers in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s played. It was a very small jazz drum kit … the way he touched the drums … the way he hit the drums, it was not like a typical rock drummer who would bash the drums really loudly.

“When you look at somebody that is a jazz drummer, the way they hold their hands and wrist, the way they touch the cymbals and drums, it’s different. He had what’s called a traditional grip. The traditional grip is where the stick is in your left hand upside down, facing you … Like the old marching band field drumming … The way he held the drum stick is very jazz-like and the manner in which way he played was, too. There’s a 12/8 underlying swing beat even within the kind of rock ‘n’ roll music that he played.


“I got to hang out with him a lot offstage whenever the Stones would be in a different city — Chicago, Detroit or Los Angeles, New York. If he had an off night, we would go to jazz clubs or theater, or if there was a group, he’d always want to go. He’d call me and say, ‘This group is playing. Do you want to go?’ We’d go and have dinner and we’d go hear the music.”

Ries spoke fondly of Watts’ involvement with his albums The Rolling Stones Project (2005) and Stones World: The Rolling Stones Project II (2008), which featured Stones songs arranged for jazz ensembles.

“We recorded the first time in L.A. with Charlie, Keith and Ronnie in that first recording session. Sheryl Crow and Darryl Jones played on it and Larry Goldings, a great organist. We were in Germany, then Bill Frisell came by and we recorded in Munich. Then we recorded in Portugal — and this was all with Charlie. Another one in L.A. with West African singers and Charlie.

“He was like a little kid on the drums during these sessions. We recorded in Paris in July … the studio had no air conditioning and must have been 100 degrees. Charlie was wearing a T-shirt and was amazing.”

One of Ries’ favorite tracks from the album is one of the two versions recorded of “Honky Tonk Women.” (listen below)

During the first session in Los Angeles, Watts, Wood and Richards recorded “Honky Tonk Women” as they do with the Stones. “We recorded their version with me playing saxophone instead of Mick singing and then we did one of Keith’s great tunes, ‘Slipping Away.’ Then Keith and Ronnie left. Sheryl Crow and Darryl Jones left.”

Ries remained in the studio with Watts and Goldings. Ries said that he told Watts, “Charlie, I’d love to do ‘Honky Tonk Women’ like an organ trio, like in a little club in Newark in the 1960s.” Watts agreed to play drums as part of the trio, with Goldings on organ and Ries on saxophone. “We did one version and that was it. I think it was the most unique … just playing jazz straightaway.”



Fowler and Ries have performed these unique arrangements with notable ensembles while touring at gigs on off nights in jazz clubs for years. Watts would attend to watch and would usually join in.

I saw Ries and Fowler perform at the Jazz Standard in New York in 2019 when Watts stayed on the sidelines. The evening was a magical fusion of rock, jazz and spoken word by Fowler, Ries, drummer Terreon Gully and trumpeter Wallace Roney. I caught a glimpse of Watts and Fowler talking before the show started and have a strong memory of Watts’ focus on and warmth towards Fowler.

Fowler told me what happened when he received the news of Watts’ death: “I got the call early in the morning. When I got the call, I don’t think people knew about it. So I had to keep it to myself until they all knew. It was definitely a shock to the system. People sent a lot of love. I was in a really blue place.”

Singer-songwriter La Forrest “La La” Cope, best known for writing the Whitney Houston hit “You Give Good Love,” sent him a comforting passage from Henry Scott Holland’s 1910 sermon “Death Is Nothing at All.”

Fowler said, “A good friend of mine (Cope) sent me a clip, I read it one, then two or three times. And I can’t wait to hug her because the thing that she sent me took me out of where I was. I saw some rays of sun after the third time I read it. It really helped me.”

Fowler sent me the sermon that helped him move forward. It reads, in part, “Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.”

Fowler released his third solo album, Inside Out, in 2019 on the Jersey City-based Rhyme & Reason Records label. It’s a stirring and evocative collection of Stones material — featuring nine of the band’s songs as spoken word with Jordan on drums, Jones on bass, Mike Garson on piano and others — that reveals Fowler’s soul and depth and provides another portal to appreciate the range of the Stones’ lyrics. 



“Charlie liked that record and his comment to me was, ‘Bernard, that was quite brave of you,’ and that was a heavy compliment,” said Fowler. “He understood exactly what I did. I guess he appreciated the balls I had to actually go do that.”

Fowler said he got into some trouble once, while touring. He declined to share the details, saving them for his own book. But Watts’ reaction shook him up.

“When he found out about it, he expressed his distaste,” said Fowler. “And the look that he gave me, nothing else fazed me about what I did. The only thing that fazed me was the look that I got from Charlie. He was somebody that I would never want to let down. I’d never want him disappointed in me. He was not pleased and he gave me the look and he let me know.

“On the other hand, Keith looked at me and he winked.”

Watts and Fowler also connected through their interest in Arabian horses.

“We looked at Arabian horses together all the time,” Fowler said.

Their outings started when Fowler had a conversation with Watts’ wife “when I first started working for the Stones — maybe a year before the release of Steel Wheels,” he said. “When we toured all over the world, we looked at Arab studs. Charlie would call me and say, ‘Bernard, there’s an Arab stud horse farm to look at, would you like to come?’ That’s what we did together. Or we’d have dinner or see a local jazz show.

“He was very supportive of my endeavors outside the band. He listened and he paid attention to what I was doing and (what) people were doing outside the Stones.”

Before Ries left for rehearsal, he had a lot of communication with band members.

“It’s been difficult,” he said. “I spoke with Bernard a lot, Darryl, Chuck Leavell, Ronnie Wood. We’ve been texting. I sent messages to Keith and Mick with my condolences.

“I have my own connection to Charlie which is very special, but I can’t imagine what it’s like for Keith and Mick, going back more than 60 years. That’s like brothers. And Charlie was like the glue, a diplomat. I’ve never seen him upset.

“I’m not a Rolling Stone; I’m a musician who plays with them. They have a 60-year history that goes back so deeply. I’m feeling the pain and the shock of this, but for them, I can’t imagine.

“They’re almost 80 years old and this hit me the other day: It’s not exactly the same, but there was a period when the New York Yankees used to be Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, but that didn’t end when they were gone. They had many great years as a team after that. The Rolling Stones is not a baseball team, but the reality is that musicians don’t retire. We play until we die because what are we going to do? This is our love. And Charlie was passionate about playing, and Mick loves performing. Mick is not onstage dialing it in.”

And so they continue, launching their fall tour, despite the pandemic and their loss.



https://www.njarts.net/the-calm-in-the-storm-bernard-fowler-tim-ries-discuss-losing-their-friend-charlie-watts/#:~:text=He%20was%20such,and%20their%20loss.

(see link for more video footage and photos)

Nice tribute to Charlie by the Foo Fighters at the MTV VMA's at the weekend

Check out Taylor Hawkins' kickdrum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODr5JcXa_gQ

Axel Zwingenberger & Ben Waters
A Musical Tribute to Charlie Watts

Saturday 18 September 2021, 19:30
Cadogan Hall, London


Prices from £18.00 to £40.00


Axel Zwingenberger and Ben Waters wish to commemorate the passing of their dear friend and mentor Charlie Watts, with whom they shared a love of boogie-woogie and swing, by recreating the music they all loved so much in their band, the ABC&D of Boogie Woogie.They will be playing their best as a tribute to a kind and talented man.



More info and tickets in the link below :

https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/a-night-of-boogie-woogie-2021/

WATTS FUNERAL WOE

Rolling Stones miss drummer bandmate Charlie Watts’ funeral due to Covid restrictions
Stephen Moyes Simon Cosyns
22:00, 13 Sep 2021


THE funeral of Rolling Stone ­Charlie Watts took place last week — without his bandmates present.

Sadly, Sir Mick Jagger, 78 Keith Richards, 77, and Ronnie Wood, 74, were not able to attend the small private ceremony in Devon.


Because of Covid restrictions, they were forced to stay in Boston where they have been rehearsing for the Stones’ rescheduled US tour.

It starts on September 26 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Respecting the wishes of his family, Watts’ secret funeral took place with the minimum fuss, in keeping with the 80-year-old drummer’s character.

An insider said the Stones would pay tribute to their fallen bandmate at the upcoming shows and were also planning a celebration of his life later this year in the UK.

It was announced on August 5 that the drummer, who joined the rock legends in 1963, would be absent from the tour.

Over the past couple of weeks, the rest of the band have been rehearsing in the States with stand-in Steve Jordan, 64, who received the blessing of Watts.


In a statement, Watts had said: “After all the disappointment with delays to the tour caused by Covid, I really don’t want the many Stones fans in the States to have another postponement or cancellation.

“I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me.”

Watts, who died on August 24, was married to his beloved wife Shirley for 57 years right up until his death in a London hospital. The couple had one daughter, Seraphina, 53, and one granddaughter, Charlotte, 24.

Tributes poured in from around the world. Jagger shared a photograph on social media of a laughing Watts behind his drum kit.

And Richards, who called him “the coolest guy I know,” put up a picture of a set of drums bearing a “closed” sign.

Sir Paul McCartney, 79, a member of the Stones’ chief rivals in the Sixties, The Beatles, remembered a “fantastic drummer” who was “as steady as a rock.”

Born in London as World War II raged, Watts trained as a graphic designer and eschewed the jet set lifestyle of his fellow Stones when not on tour.

He lived in Devon for many years where he owned a stud farm and was known as a natty dresser, a jazz lover . . . and, of course, an ace drummer.


Link :
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/16128811/rolling-stones-drummer-bandmate-charlie-watts-funeral-covid-19/


Other links to the same story this morning :

Daily Mail :

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9987459/The-Rolling-Stones-forced-miss-Charlie-Watts-funeral-amid-Covid-19-restrictions.html


Daily Mirror :

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/charlie-watts-devastated-rolling-stones-24978651


Daily Express :

https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1490951/Rolling-Stones-Charlie-Watts-funeral-drummer-miss-covid-restrictions-tour-news-latest

Would have been a media circus had the band attended anyway. Charlie went out as he wished. Still can't believe he's gone.

They, undoubtedly, wanted to attend, and it's very sad that they weren't able to end, but at least his family and loved ones who were able to attend could do so in relative peace and without having to worry about being photographed and having to try to make themselves look good for a bunch of tosspot paparazzi.

STONES HAIL CHARLIE The Rolling Stones will turn their iconic tongue logo black in tribute to late bandmate Charlie Watts
Simon Boyle
20:00, 14 Sep 2021Updated: 18:52, 14 Sep 2021

https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dkc-comp-page22stones.jpg

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/16139908/rolling-stones-tongue-logo-black-charlie-watts/

'As well as being projected on to big screens, the new design is to be used on merchandise and around tour visuals'

Quel surprise. Who was it who described death as a great career move?  ::)

A very heartfelt and loving tribute from Sam Cutler:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/charlie-watts-modest-funeral-held-24985386

Sam is a very nice guy.

I designed this myself several months ago (IE not for Charlie)
Made stickers out of it for my car plates;

(still can't upload pics ...)

https://1drv.ms/u/s!Ags7nPJiHj1Ih_N7kGBzoiTZBJ7HiQ?e=OzX8AL

https://1drv.ms/u/s!Ags7nPJiHj1Ih_N49DGnEi5OkVFaKw?e=1tilcZ


https://1drv.ms/u/s!Ags7nPJiHj1Ih_N5o9b3OikB502pBA?e=QpkqKw

https://1drv.ms/u/s!Ags7nPJiHj1Ih_QFLwra7w7vOMnlHg?e=U0QNzn

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H_Q43I1lsy8/YJU9XKlm4jI/AAAAAAAAAMg/OGLm4_mxGAUhGxCogUSqNWaN2qM373QHwCEwYBhgLKtQDABHVOhxT5XDtIGvPUiscQEe4I8w6gsyFYyTzYuwA-lSBXubHArY3J3fomaQCsVPFCXGlcwOVcxdC7hkNJ7s2MwshC9TYoQefM-XOzyQT8Uxb9jx7ClCtbfwit1gGnYkTiK_tYruuC5S-uGGMZnQMsrBucMfQQLpPRtJJ7P27PlNGAOZrmqyaOxeLSSvBGqfgSBN512sVZ3Sp1UEs_EVU73fXk9bEN4Vgpa3ENfOVVitLT7kWTXyKZuGpNgsuSAleUFhvy0LnvhFaFjLzqUIHFNxET0B8cQsKze5HtlgC3WBE2DbAStZ73eur97MBDDJzttSL24AMiRtmOmwiExrkpniBRbmiMnQtuLl5SwKPUM9Y1K-jK4blM45d33vjEnGjuw5Y6TsX-Ss84PCpEVwuuLUIUAUjBmT-yWYB8z3WumQlE6lnCcN6UnjJqp68DznsmwHZOTJNAFnijw_xatoMDCJol3KPVrUTC7ZjpfK3LCBje5lCDixRkVSVfDZTrkYxAeO8TWmxU-flkwkzrbhGx23QVd2V4iA_HXDa2m-v2THkrQUeV75_LZXjAMVPROkG6F8jDCxoDd_tpuUBZBHG1BAfc3iTJ6-PJMNQOmVIuqP09OwHMN6Eh4oG/w139-h140-p/stones%2Bblack.jpg

This has been posted on the board before but it's a wonderful look into Charlie in a private setting. Some great conversation about Keith mixed in as well. Just a wonderful bit about him, Stan Levey, and Jim Keltner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6KqlUVr9LU

Gazza wrote on Sep 14^th, 2021 at 5:19pm:

'As well as being projected on to big screens, the new design is to be used on merchandise and around tour visuals' Quel surprise. Who was it who described death as a great career move?  ::)

Seems a bit morbid.  :wtf3

sweetcharmedlife wrote on Sep 15^th, 2021 at 8:08pm:

Gazza wrote on Sep 14th, 2021 at 5:19pm: 'As well as being projected on to big screens, the new design is to be used on merchandise and around tour visuals' Quel surprise. Who was it who described death as a great career move?  ::) Seems a bit morbid.  :wtf3

Opportunistic?
They should just sell off the rest of the Charlie Watts "signed" drum sticks while they are at it.

sweetcharmedlife wrote on Sep 15^th, 2021 at 8:08pm:

Gazza wrote on Sep 14th, 2021 at 5:19pm: 'As well as being projected on to big screens, the new design is to be used on merchandise and around tour visuals' Quel surprise. Who was it who described death as a great career move?  ::) Seems a bit morbid.  :wtf3

Bizarrely, the Sun have now pulled that story.  The link posted above by Moy is no longer available.

The new issue of UNCUT (November 2021) has a 12 page tribute to Charlie with memories by the likes of Gered Mankowitz, Chris Kimsey, Kenney Jones and others as well as a great shot of him gracing the front cover

https://www.uncut.co.uk/publications/magazines/uncut-november-2021-133535/

Oddly, its not the photo shown here (which I think was used in an old issue) but a simple black and white shot with no words on the cover other than the magazine title and Charlie's signature.  Beautifully understated, just like the man himself.

Not crazy about Oasis or its offshoots, but this was a nice tribute:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXXtuC8-vZ0

Rolling Stones star Charlie Watts to be honoured with special tribute at Isle of Wight Festival after death
Louise Griffin
Saturday 18 Sep 2021 7:42 am

https://metro.co.uk/2021/09/18/charlie-watts-to-be-honoured-with-tribute-at-isle-of-wight-festival-15278195/

https://youtu.be/vIkMKjPe6qc

Pearl Jam's tribute. Minute: 11:02 and 15:45

I know that their drummer Matt Cameron is a massive Charlie fan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdhIxGKEkW4

This bit by Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom about Charlie's drumming is outstanding:

http://billjanovitz.com/blog/?p=1799

Every player on the recording is emotionally invested in the song. This includes the stoic Charlie Watts. Charlie’s playing might in fact be the most dramatic element of the song. Look, Charlie had been on the road too. No one in the band had a more stable domestic life than he. It would be perhaps more painful for him to leave home than anyone else. All this “backbone of the band,” “just doing his job” stuff,  like he’s punching a clock, collecting a paycheck — dependable Charlie, and so on — is just all lazy cliché. All you need to hear is how Charlie chooses his entrances and exits on “Wild Horses” to understand how much of an emotional punch he lends this music. No drummer commands an arrangement like him, coming in and dropping out at just the right moments. He understands that the crack of that snare when it drops is going to hit you square between the shoulder blades and drop you to your knees. And then, almost as quickly, he drops out again, letting Mick and Keith carry that weight and open up their veins for you. And just as the singers are at their most vulnerable, who is there to pick them (and you) up? Charlie, like James Brown’s Fabulous Flames, behind him all the way.

The second time Charlie enters, he rolls the snare drum in earlier on the verse than the first time he entered, when he came in at the chorus. Now he enters at the halfway point of the verse. He leaves space, an impossibly drawn-out beat number two. A deep breath.This is Charlie at his most Zen-jazz.  How does he manage to lay out of that middle-eight section (at 3:00)? This is the most “up” part of the song. Most drummers would be pounding through that part first and foremost. But instead, counterintuitively, he waits until the next verse. The six-note drum fill going into the last chorus (at 5:07), is one of the most devastating of all Charlie’s fills. This is an emotional song – lyrics, music, and yet, Charlie’s choices are what provide the song the most drama.

The whole band, for all the egos and tension, knew when to leave the right space. No one is looking to showboat here. Bill, in particular plays no more notes than necessary, a less-is-more economy that makes the impact of the song that much more dramatic. “We want a soft warm lovely sound from you, Wyman,” Booth quotes Keith as saying. “Stop donkeyin’ about.” There is a killer note on the bass (at about 1:33,) where Bill seems to unintentionally land just below the intended note and slides bluesily to match the actual note, like a soul singer would.

Despite the deep emotion of the recording, the session, as described by Booth, sounded like the musicians were having a good time, fueled by cocaine, pot, beer, and Jack Daniels. Keith made a passing observation: “Gram Parsons gets better coke than the Mafia. From some Black Panther dentist in Watts.” The band had different terms for mistakes that can kill a good take. “Clams” is a common musician term. But the Stones had a whole glossary. Ruining one otherwise good take of “Wild Horses,” Keith announced, “I accept the Golden Prune.”

“Lights out, mouths shut,” said Mick. Then they laid it down.

Patti Smith dedicates "I'm free" to Charlie during her show at the Royal Albert Hall, they closed the show with "Not Fade Away"

https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/patti-smith-royal-albert-hall-2.jpg

https://www.nme.com/reviews/patti-smith-live-in-london-royal-albert-hall-review-3062776

Well... Charlie asked George "George, may I have your autograph?"

:scary :nicetits

George Thorogood Recalls How Frank Zappa Behaved When They Met, Says Rolling Stones Icon Asked Him for Autograph
George also says he "completely lost it" when meeting Bob Dylan.

https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/george_thorogood_recalls_how_frank_zappa_behaved_when_they_met_says_rolling_stones_icon_asked_him_for_autograph.html

https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/static/article/news/0/123590_0_wide_ver1633608418.jpg

Rolling Stones Say They Didn’t Expect Charlie Watts’ Illness to Be Fatal, Discuss Continuing to Tour

By Chris Willman

https://variety.com/2021/music/news/rolling-stones-discuss-charlie-watts-1235083692/

In a new interview, members of the Rolling Stones say they thought Charlie Watts was recovering from illness and would eventually rejoin them, even after Steve Jordan was announced as a fill-in drummer for their current tour as Watts seemingly convalesced in the hospital.

“We watched horse racing on TV and just shot the breeze,” guitarist Ron Wood told the Los Angeles Times of being the last member to visit Watts in the hospital, a few weeks before the drummer’s Aug. 24 death. “I could tell he was pretty tired and fed up with the whole deal. He said, ‘I was really hoping to be out of here by now,’ then after that there was a complication or two and I wasn’t allowed back. No one was.”


Wood told the newspaper that the hospital room Watts ended up in was the same one where he’d been treated for cancer in 2000. “We call it the Rolling Stones suite,” Wood joked. The exact nature of Watts’ affliction still hasn’t been publicly revealed, but the Times article says the group believed Watts was “on the mend after an earlier medical procedure.”


Keith Richards had little to say about Watts’ death in his part of the interview: “I’m still trying to put it together in my head. I don’t think I can be very erudite on Charlie at the moment.”

The Stones are back on tour, with upcoming shows including two nights at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium on Oct. 14 and 17, following the resumption of their long “No Filter” tour Sept. 20 — their first gigs since August 2019, when Watts was still on board, and the pause in touring was expected to be a far shorter one.

Mick Jagger scoffs in the story at the idea that there are very many Stones fans who think the group should not continue on without Watts. Asked how he responds to those comments, the singer said, “I don’t, really — I think you’re exaggerating. … Maybe one or two do (think that). But I don’t think that’s a movement.”

Added Jagger, “When you’re a band for this long, it’s unlikely you won’t have any changes. Of course, this is probably the biggest one we’ve had. But we felt — and Charlie felt — that we should do this tour. We’d already postponed it by a year, and Charlie said to me, ‘You need to go out there. All the crew that have been out of work — you’re not gonna put them out of work again.’ So I think it was the right decision to keep going. The band still sounds great onstage, and everyone’s been really responsive at the couple of big shows we’ve done so far. They hold up signs saying, ‘We miss you, Charlie,’ and I miss him too.”

The member discussed the state of an unfinished album that was begun prior to the pandemic, which would be their first of new material since 2005. One song from the sessions, the COVID-themed “Living in a Ghost Town,” was completed and released last year and figures into the current live setlist. Watts had put down parts for “a number” of songs, the story says. “Let me put it this way,” Richards said. “You haven’t heard the last of Charlie Watts.”


Read the rest of the Times interview — which also discusses how many songs they rehearsed for possible inclusion in the current tour (and the status of the not recently performed “Brown Sugar”) — here.

Haven't watched it all, but this is an incredible 2 part tribute to Charlie by John DeChristopher with some of the greatest drummers alive on it (Steve Gadd, Kenney Jones, Rick Marotta, Stan Lynch, Michael Shrieve, Andy Newmark, Steve Maxwell, John Ferraro, Yard Gavrilovic, Steve Smith, Kenny Aronoff, Dave Mattacks, Chad Smith, Mickey Curry, Shawn Pelton, Clem Burke and Don McAulay (Charlie's drum tech)).

Lots of great memories and hilarious stories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuZjccBeLzU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oIpgwFe9tc

Charlie Watts: Gentleman Drummer of Rock & Roll
Michael Ingmire Michael Ingmire Send an email9 hours ago

https://politichicks.com/2021/11/charlie-watts-gentleman-drummer-of-rock-roll/

https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-nandi-bushell-pay-tribute-to-the-rolling-stones-charlie-watts-3087736?fbclid=IwAR36BWQh39txAgAFt_Tb0aEKY_mb9xNIM5tEtbfudDT6Mn7XpysuOn2qbtQ

Watch Nandi Bushell pay tribute to The Rolling Stones’ Charlie Watts
"I wanted to do something really special for Charlie"
By Will Lavin
4th November 2021

This cover is for Charlie Watts. I wanted to do something really special for Charlie. This is my most ambitious cover yet. Gimme Shelter is such an incredible tune. I hope one day I get to jam with The Rolling Stones too. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood - I LOVE THE ROLLING STONES!

https://youtu.be/gdu1jVbgRrY

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FE9eQFcXoAMB1X-.jpg

Today's piece in the Observer's feature of 2021 obituaries is one on Charlie by Dave Green

Link & photos :
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/dec/11/obituaries-2021-charlie-watts-remembered-by-dave-green

Charlie Watts remembered by Dave Green


2 June 1941 – 24 August 2021
The Rolling Stones drummer’s childhood friend and fellow musician recalls a home-loving connoisseur and collector of ephemera

Sat 11 Dec 2021 14.00 GMT

I first met Charlie Watts in 1946, when I was four and he was five. We moved into new prefabs built after the war in Wembley Park – we were number 22, he was number 23 – and our mums hit it off pretty much straight away. We were very close, Charlie and me, throughout our lives. There was one point after he joined the Stones when we didn’t see each other for years, but when we did eventually reconnect, we picked up where we left off. Our relationship never really changed.

From an early age we were both interested in jazz. It was a mutual thing. I used to listen to records in Charlie’s bedroom, discovering musicians such as Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Jelly Roll Morton. Later, when his dad bought him a drum kit and I got a double bass, we’d only been playing for a few months when we heard that a jazz band was doing auditions for a drummer and bass player. We did the audition and as we were the only ones that turned up we got the gig with the Jo Jones Seven and started doing weekly sessions at the Masons Arms pub in Edgware.

He was always much sharper than me. He had style, Charlie, natural style. I’ve got some pictures of us playing at the Masons Arms, me in a scruffy old cardigan, him impeccably dressed in an Ivy League jacket. He was quiet and studious and very particular about things. One of his hobbies later on was collecting autographed photographs of famous jazz musicians. He also had a complete collection of PG Wodehouse first editions, each book in a little case. He absolutely adored his “stuff”, as he called it.




He loved classic cars as well, though he couldn’t drive. He had a 1937 Lagonda and he used to just sit in it and turn the engine on. He loved it as an artefact. He had somebody who used to take him out for a spin. What a lifestyle! But it wasn’t a question of “look what I’ve got”. Everything he owned – Donald Bradman’s cricket cap, Sonny Greer’s drum set – he owned because he loved it. It’s a pity he didn’t open a museum.

The Jo Jones Seven broke up after about a year and we went our different ways. Five years later, Charlie was touring the States with the Rolling Stones. Although he was terrific with the Stones, his first love was jazz. At the gigs, his room backstage was called the Cotton Club and he’d be playing Duke Ellington before going on stage. Joining this huge rock band was an accident. He was joining bands every other week and breaking up and he thought it would be the same thing with the Stones. When it took off, he was as surprised as anybody.

As a drummer, he was a team player. He didn’t like doing solos. He never regarded himself as a star
He was always quite diffident about the Stones. It never affected him, it was just the thing that he did. He was the clean living one in the band, the family man. He hated going away on the road, he wanted to be home with his wife, Shirley. Although he did have a very shaky period in the mid-80s. I don’t know what sparked it off but he got involved with drugs quite seriously. Which is amazing, after 20 years of not touching anything. But then he just stopped overnight, because he realised he was in danger of losing everything. I really admire that. For a while afterwards, he didn’t do anything at all: he didn’t drink, he basically just lived on nuts. He denied himself everything for a year or two.


We started playing together again in the 80s, when he formed the Charlie Watts Big Band, one of his many jazz projects. The last thing we did together was The ABC & D of Boogie Woogie, from 2009 to 2012. He was a very thoughtful guy and always very polite. At Ronnie Scott’s, people would come to get things signed, books and records and stuff, and he did it without any qualms.

As a drummer, he was a team player. He didn’t like doing solos. He never regarded himself as a star. He was playing for the band. Which is how he approached everything he did. He didn’t want the spotlight. But even though he blended in, he was a very strong presence in the Stones. I always felt like I couldn’t imagine the Stones without Charlie.

He got on with the other members. They just happened to hit on the right chemistry from the beginning and it’s been going on nearly 60 years. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie had really built up this strong relationship and then Ronnie Wood joined and it became what it is. They were completely different characters, all of them, but the chemistry held the band together.



I miss Charlie very much. The last time I spoke to him was when he turned 80 in June. I called him on his birthday and we had a chat and everything was fine. He said: “Hope to see you soon.” And then a few months later I found out that he’d been in hospital for nine weeks. I was really shocked by that.

My abiding memory of Charlie is of his kindness, his generosity, his thoughtfulness as a person. I deeply loved him. What can you say about somebody you’ve known since you were four years old? Growing up together, discovering music together, we became so close.

How will he be remembered? Well, he’s a legend, isn’t he? He would say: “No, I’m not.” But he was a legend of drums, playing with the greatest rock band in the world. He won’t be forgotten.

Can't believe it, almost one year without Charlie

Rip  dear  dear  Charlie,  i miss you immensely. The  3 concerts this year i saw, were  amazing, but  i missed  you!!
Hope you are well in the Drummers heaven.
All the best for your familie.
One love
Jeroen

Tweets:

Rolling Stones

One year on without our beloved Charlie 💔
Remembering him and all the incredible things he achieved in his life.

https://twitter.com/RollingStones/status/1562381177658507264?s=20&t=vX-3G7yqFDb1DScmKXNH3A

Mick Jagger

Thinking of Charlie today 💙

https://twitter.com/MickJagger/status/1562357021122465792?s=20&t=vX-3G7yqFDb1DScmKXNH3A

Ronnie Wood

Charlie, missing you every single day. Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte, we hold you close in our hearts xxx

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa6nJqUWAAAtuLZ.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa6nWgSXoAAnOfY.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa6nsh4WYAEgvYn.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa6nwN2XoAA9QS1.jpg

Almost any picture of Charlie one might take when he was on the road was likely a portrait of stoic waiting. - Ethan Russell

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa8Uys6WAAAg2f3.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa8MFCsUsAEhWs3.jpg

Finally Keith tweeted... twice

Charlie Watts, I miss you Mate!🙏Sending love to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte.
One love, Keith

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa9UxoIXEAAD2ml.jpg

This one by Jim Marshall

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa9UxoJWQAAMh-E.jpg

This one, new to me

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa9UxoHWQAAfksS.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa9UxoIXoAAzoLn.jpg

and more by Keith...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa9UymjXgAAjBvX.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa9UympXkAAA7Mg.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa9UymkXEAAxkkH.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa9UymkWYAAtClE.jpg

WOW! A year already...RIP Charlie...missed but NEVER forgotten.

The Stones without Charlie will never be as great. The songs are still great, but the drums are not magical anymore. Steve J can't live up to Charlie or play as well. It's good enough, but the greatness of Charlie's natural ability left the house. Gone forever. Drummers can be replaced, but the instinct of playing in a band for 59 years can't be learned or picked up where they left off. Charlie is missed by everyone I know. Yet I applaud the band for continuing on. They aren't quitters.

Some quit for good, some quit too late... here an example

Chech this out https://youtu.be/UQAv7oAMsno?t=453