Sometimes you have to look hard but when Charlie hits the main snare drum (for the main beat) he lets off and skips the cymbal for that beat.

I hope I'm saying this clearly and you understand.

I think it started in the studio near the early 80's then took it live for the 81-82 tours.

Then he stuck w/ that cymbal skip ever since to this day.

I remember Charlie not doing for the 72-73 tours and just hitting the main snare drum at the same time hitting the cymbal. 

Anyone know the story why changed and the story behind this drumming.

He's the only drummer I know that does this one skip cymbal let off while he hits the snare drum.

Thanks ladies and gentlemen.

Edith Grove wrote on Nov 26^th, 2013 at 4:39pm:


Yes he does rock my brother (and roll), one of a kind and I'm glad he stuck w/ the band till the end.

Hail to the Watt.

One of a kind drummer.

And the drummer for Metalica said he's no good.

Charlie is one of the BEST.

From A little research:
One quote I found interesting from a drummer message board/Steve Hoffman, music forum, I've read from time to time:
"Charlie has often discussed his change in style, and this is much discussed on Stones message boards. He's changed his grip, does that bit where he leaves out the hi-hat and added that chinese gong (during Some Girls). I'd think his more basic playing live has to do with the stadiums and, perhaps, the loops that Matt Clifford used in '89 (now gone, thankfully). Before that, Charlie would play off Keith's rhythm. This was accelerated when Wyman left and Darryl Jones joined. Now he and Charlie keep thing locked down and Keith, well, plays less. I don't think any of this has to do with diminished interest on Charlie's part. He works his *** off. I miss the swing feel too."
The drummers on this site have from time to time discussed the early recordings and the difference now on the same songs. One of the themes that seem to pop up from time to time is:
"He had a more swing feel in the early years, quite innovative to produce  the distinctive Stone Sound
and now has a more traditional rock, straight 4 to the beat"
This includes the dropping of the Hi-hat beat on the down beat."
Some lesser degree fans say "Charlie is approaching the live arena facilities as a Job.
And Others say that very few Rolling Stone fans know of the tremendeous effect arthritus has had on Mr Watts.
arthritis this drummer has. "Charlie has serious arthritis in his hands, and I would hazard a guess that it has significantly affected how he plays over the years. Whether that explains this particular stylistic change or not, I'm not sure."
All opinions!
I remember tryin my hardest to replicate his and others styles from the 60's, with a degree, an a life long study in percussion,
I still stand by the signature I have on ever post
The Core of the Rolling Stones is Charlie Watts Hi-Hat

Pdog wrote on Nov 27^th, 2013 at 9:19am:


Ain't it true!
I love that quote, he also did not rely of the sinc beat.It was no use to him.... Keeping Time..... Ha!
Moon was in a class of drummers all to himself period.IMO The  best, without any one at the time even in the room!
Moon Had "no time" for the Hi Hat!
The drummers here will get the pun, other will just enjoy the word phrases!