R.I.P. Charlie Watts

[marillion]

Charlie Watts has passed away.

One of rock music's legends, and arguably underrated for his skills, Watts' passing will be keenly felt. I've never been the biggest Stones fan, but I definitely appreciated his subtle style and masterful keeping of time and rhythm.

 

[Captaindemotion]

Sad news. I know he recently dropped out of the tour but it never even crossed me my mind that he might be seriously ill. As someone said elsewhere, it’s like part of rock’s Mount Rushmore just fell down.

I believe Keith Richards was asked some time ago what was the best thing about being in the Stones and he said that it was getting to play alongside Charlie.

 

[J.T.B.]

Aw shit. For me this is the end of the line for the Stones. Jones, Taylor and Wyman could be replaced, but I don't think anyone can recreate that Charlie-Keith timing. Glad I got to see him a number of times.

The best part of this video is Bill and Charlie having their own private laughs in the background after about 02:30.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[TREK_GOD_1]

I mentioned this in the Classic/Retro thread but Watts pretty much avoided the controversies of his bandmates for well over a half-century. About his drumming, there were always two camps: those who thought he added an element that "made" so much of the group's music, and others who thought he was an unimaginative drummer. How they came to that conclusion is anyone's guess.

 

[nedski]

Yep. I've seen the sad news today.
One of the oldest drummers from one of the oldest bands...

 

[marillion]

I mentioned this in the Classic/Retro thread but Watts pretty much avoided the controversies of his bandmates for well over a half-century. About his drumming, there were always two camps: those who thought he added an element that "made" so much of the group's music, and others who thought he was an unimaginative drummer. How they came to that conclusion is anyone's guess.

Oh, I've seen that too, and I can understand why, at first listen, some people think that. Watts was a jazz man. He had jazz and swing styling. The Stones very early stuff was really a reflection of the English R&B movement of the time that evolved. He and Ringo Starr are very underrated in this respect. You don't need to be Neil Peart to be a masterful percussionist.

 

[EmoBorg]

May he rest in peace.

 

[Random_Spock]

RIP Charlie Watts.