The music world lost one of its greatest rock 'n' roll drummers on Tuesday, the 24th: Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones died at the age of 80.
The sad news came a few weeks after the drummer was forced to leave the band's current No Filter Tour to recover from an unspecified "completely successful procedure."
On social media, rock musicians are mourning Watts' passing with photos and messages of appreciation for the artist's legacy. See the list below.
Nick Mason (Pink Floyd) : “Very sad to lose Charlie. Possibly the most underrated of all the great rock 'n' roll drummers. No masterclasses or tutorial books, no solos or exaggerated tricks, just the exact feeling for the music. Sometimes you only realized how perfect he was when you tried to imitate that role and realized how much better he was made to work than all the alternative possibilities. I've never heard a Stones drum cover on a track that was better than Charlie's original… And his orchestral jazz work showed him how not to limit himself to an R&B rhythm section. And that's just about how he played… There's also the recognition that possibly – no, probably – he was the coolest figure on stage in rock history. Flirting around the stage is great, but limiting your stage performance to the act of taking off your jacket and hanging it on the back of your chair has to be particularly Zen! Rest in peace, Charlie. And thank you for everything you offered to all of us who learned from you.” like you."
Mikkey Dee (ex-Motörhead, Scorpions): “Very sad news! Charlie Watts was one of my biggest inspirations early on and still is today! He inspired the whole planet for so many years. Rest in peace and thank you so much for all the inspiration you gave to drummers all over the world!”
Paul Stanley (Kiss): “TERRIBLE NEWS. One of the true timeless icons and the backbone of the Stones. The loss is hard to measure. Very sad.”
Brent Fitz (Slash and The Conspirators): “So sad. Charlie Watts is gone! A true drumming hero for me! The coolest drummer that ever lived. Nobody played like him. His rhythm was spectacular and SO specific to the Rolling Stones' heartbeat.”
David Coverdale (Whitesnake): “A very good and talented man… Anchor of one of the best rock bands in history, another beautiful soul. Thank you, Charlie.”
Titãs: "Very sad about the death of the great Charlie Watts, the immortal drummer of the Rolling Stones. Rest in Peace, Charlie! Photo taken in 2016."
Elton John: “A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most elegant of men and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And, of course, the Rolling Stones.”
Scorpions: “Another very sad day in the world of music. I just learned of the passing of Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of the Rolling Stones… Our deepest condolences to Charlie's family and his bandmates.”
Sheryl Crow: “A hero is gone. No words. A huge hole in the universe.”
Ringo Starr (Beatles): “God bless Charlie Watts, we will miss you, mate. Peace and love to the Ringo family.”
Lol Tolhurst (The Cure): "I owe all my hi-hat technique to Charlie. Thank you and rest in peace Charlie Watts."
Paul McCartney: “Very sad to hear about Charlie Watts, drummer for the Stones, he was a lovely guy. I knew he was ill, but I didn't know he was this ill. All my love to his family, wife, children and loved ones, and to the Stones. It's a great loss for them, Charlie was a rock and a fantastic drummer. I love you, Charlie, I always have, a wonderful man. Condolences to his family.”
Todd Kerns (Slash and The Conspirators): “Rest in peace, dear Charlie. You were the best. This is a very sad day.”
Nile Rodgers: “Rest in power, Charlie Watts. You're a good brother. Thank you for all the good music.”
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath): “I’m sorry to hear the sad news of Charlie Watts’ passing. He was such a great guy and a huge influence on the music world – he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and to Mick, Ronnie, Keith and all his friends and fans.”
Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie): “I sigh deeply… One of my first professional jobs in this crazy music world was guest vocalist with the Charlie Watts Jazz Big Band in London in the mid-80s. He was a true gentleman, humble, kind. It’s so sad to say goodbye to the drummer of the greatest rock n’ roll band of all time… Thank you Charlie for the wonderful memories of working with you, and for a backbeat like no other… May you rest in peace.”
READ ALSO: Mr. Charlie Styles Watts turns 80 – 58 of them as drummer for the Rolling Stones
