Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dies at 80

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Charlie Watts, who served as the drummer for the Rolling Stones, considered the greatest rock band of all time, for nearly 60 years, has passed away at the age of 80.

AP News reported on the 24th (local time) that Watts died at a hospital in London.

Watts' publicist stated, "Watts passed away peacefully surrounded by his family."

The cause of death has not been disclosed, but Watts had recently not participated in the Rolling Stones' tour due to health issues. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2004 and underwent treatment.

Watts is regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock history, alongside The Beatles' Ringo Starr and The Who's Keith Moon.

Born in London, England in 1941, Watts received his first drum set at the age of 13. Immersed in jazz, he practiced drumming to records by Charlie Parker and Duke Ellington.

After graduating from art school and working as a designer, Watts joined the Rolling Stones in 1963 at the age of 22.

While attention was focused on vocalist Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, Watts quietly dedicated himself to playing, contributing to the creation of many of the Rolling Stones' classic songs.

From the left, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

His drumming stood out especially in "Honky Tonk Women," "Paint It Black," "Miss You," and "Brown Sugar," playing a decisive role in these songs being regarded as classics.

Watts was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Rolling Stones in 1989.

Initially active as a jazz drummer, he never ceased his passion for jazz throughout his life. Even while performing with the Rolling Stones, he engaged in various jazz-related projects.

In particular, in the 1990s, he released jazz albums under the name Charlie Watts Quintet.

He also distanced himself from drugs and criminal activities, and was one of the longest-serving members of the Rolling Stones alongside Jagger and Richards.

Jagger and Richards often expressed their respect for Watts, referring to him as the "(band's) key."

Before his debut, Watts worked as a graphic designer at an advertising company and was responsible for the back cover illustration of the Rolling Stones' 1967 album "Between the Buttons."

Watts was also known for his unique hobby of collecting cars in his garage, despite not driving himself.

Although he was active as one of the greatest drummers of his time and received the spotlight, he was known to find it burdensome. In an interview with The Guardian, he said, "Female fans would scream and chase me down the street. It was terrible. I hated it."

Watts married Shirley Ann Shepherd in 1964 and had one daughter.