# Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** celebrity-death\ **Created:** [August 24, 2021, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444 "2021-08-24T16:37:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/21 "2021-08-24T17:46:05Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > True that. Hell, I nominate the entirety of _Exile on Main Street_ . You have to exclude “Happy” and “Shine A Light”, where Jimmy Miller plays the drums. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/22 "2021-08-24T17:46:58Z")
I didn’t know that. Ignorance fought! ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/23 "2021-08-24T17:53:31Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > Classiest, and best dressed. Been married to his wife since 1964… And apparently he was faithful to her the entire time and had no time for groupies, something none of his band mates could ever say. He had his own substance abuse issues, so he didn’t emerge unscathed from the rock and roll grinder. But he was undoubtedly the most grounded and stable out of all of them. Any guy who compulsively sketched every hotel room he ever stayed in is either a monument to consistency or a testament to OCD monomania 😀. RIP Charlie. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/24 "2021-08-24T18:01:31Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > I didn’t know that. Ignorance fought! I also didn’t know that for a long time. Jimmy Miller was a great drummer of his own, and sometimes he suggested a groove of which Charlie thought he couldn’t match it and let Jimmy play it. Miller also played drums on “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. It really isn’t obvious, because he plays very similarly to Charlie, very groove-based. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/25 "2021-08-24T18:08:33Z")
Well, _Sticky Fingers_ just ended and I may have to add “Moonlight Mile” to the list. Watts may have been the most reliable, least flashy drummer in rock history, but his cymbals add a true majesty to the strings at the end of that tune. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/26 "2021-08-24T18:10:51Z")
Damn, I thought those guys could survive a nuclear blast and come out even stronger. My favorite Stones video: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/MKLVmBOOqVU/maxresdefault.jpg "The Rolling Stones - Waiting On A Friend - OFFICIAL PROMO") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKLVmBOOqVU) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/27 "2021-08-24T18:17:43Z")
Watts was a very big part of the Stones success. He’ll be missed. Charlie can finally say… Get off of My Cloud ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/28 "2021-08-24T19:03:35Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Damn, I thought those guys could survive a nuclear blast and come out even stronger. I always thought Sympathy for the Devil was either autobiographical or a PR piece - because I just _know_ they sold their souls for immortality, living as long as they collectively did. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/29 "2021-08-24T19:06:10Z")
Well damn. Definitely one of the classiest guys in rock 'n roll history. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/30 "2021-08-24T19:14:05Z")
I’m as sad as I was when I heard about Bowie. ---
**Author:** ![alovem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/31 "2021-08-24T19:22:36Z")
In an interview held about 20 years ago, Keith said he admired Charlie’s dedication and perfection. He recalled watching him leave the drumsticks arranged a certain way before walking off stage and being impressed by his insistence on getting that last detail just right after all had been said and done. Words to that effect. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/32 "2021-08-24T19:27:59Z")
Yeah. Just … fuck. Got a tear in my eye for this one. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/33 "2021-08-24T21:23:31Z")
There’s a lot of good information in this article. Charlie used his earnings to put together Jazz bands. He recorded and performed with them whenever he had the time. > [@](#): > > Watts was the final man to join the Stones; the band had searched for months to find a permanent drummer and feared Watts was too accomplished for them. Richards recalled the band wanting him so badly to join that members cut down on expenses so they could afford to pay Watts a proper salary. Watts said he believed at first the band would be lucky to last a year. > **[Drummer Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones backbone, dies at 80](https://www.fox21news.com/top-stories/drummer-charlie-watts-rolling-stones-backbone-dies-at-80/)** > > Charlie Watts, the self-effacing and unshakeable Rolling Stones drummer who helped anchor one of rock’s greatest rhythm sections and used his “day job” to support his enduring love of jazz, has die… ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2021, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/34 "2021-08-25T01:30:40Z")
This video is as old as MTV. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/SGyOaCXr8Lw/maxresdefault.jpg "The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up - Official Promo") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGyOaCXr8Lw) ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2021, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/35 "2021-08-25T02:00:27Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > What’s your vote for most memorable Watts performance? Beast Of Burden ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2021, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/36 "2021-08-25T11:09:05Z")
Last public photo of Charlie and his wife in May 2020. The Stones postponed the 2020 tour because of Covid. He looks so frail. I’m not sure he could have toured last Sumner. > **[Charlie Watts poses with his wife of 57 years in sweet final photo](https://nypost.com/2021/08/24/charlie-watts-and-wife-of-57-years-pose-in-sweet-final-photo/)** > > The couple smiled together, looked as happy as ever, at an event for the dog foundation Forever Hounds Trust in May 2020. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2021, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/37 "2021-08-25T11:21:00Z")
I’m amazed he made it to 80 considering the kind of life he lived in a Rock and Roll band. In contrast, Brian Jones died 52 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2021, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/38 "2021-08-25T12:45:55Z")
Without knowing _exactly_ what was implied there, Charlie Watts famously eschewed and disdained most of the stereotypical elements of that “kind of life:” > **[Drummer Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones backbone, dies at 80](https://apnews.com/article/rolling-stones-charlie-watts-died-c9551b21e2806b679bd0eeec0bb4ef2b)** > > Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80. Publicist Bernard Doherty said Tuesday that Watts “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.” > Watts stayed on, and largely held himself apart, through the drug abuse, creative clashes and ego wars that helped kill founding member Brian Jones, drove bassist Bill Wyman and Jones’ replacement Mick Taylor to quit and otherwise made being in the Stones a most exhausting job. > Author Philip Norman, who has written extensively about the Rolling Stones, said Watts lived “in constant hope of being allowed to catch the next plane home.” On tour, he made a point of drawing each hotel room he stayed in, a way of marking time until he could return to his family. Which – to what I’m guessing is your point – may well have had a great deal to do _with_ his longevity. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2021, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/39 "2021-08-25T13:17:06Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > Which – to what I’m guessing is your point – may well have had a great deal to do _with_ his longevity. To which I can only respond, “Bravo, Charlie!” 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2021, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444/40 "2021-08-25T13:33:00Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > This video is as old as MTV. That smirk Charlie Watts has, the few times the camera zooms in on his face, it looks like he’s thinking “this is all so silly”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-drummer-charlie-watts-has-died/949444.md?page=3)