Celebrities React To Death Of Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts
By Hayden Brooks
August 24, 2021
Weeks after pulling out of the Rolling Stones' upcoming U.S. tour, the collective's drummer, Charlie Watts, has passed away and the world of rock 'n' roll is reacting to the tragic news.
Word of Watt's passing spread on Tuesday (August 24), as per his publicist, Bernard Doherty, who announced that he had "passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family." Doherty went on to describe the late musician as "a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation." He was 80.
While Alex Van Halen kept it simple, sharing, "Charlie......Godspeed," others have gone in different directions when remembering Watts. See below for some of the reactions to the drummer's passing.
#CHARLIEWATTS. The beat of The Stones. There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 24, 2021
6/2/41 - 8/24/21 pic.twitter.com/Lw2USKaxYH
I first saw The @RollingStones in 1966 in the Bay Area and have been a fan ever since. Charlie Watts was one of the great drummers and will be missed. Rest easy Charlie pic.twitter.com/FQKOXiSUpG
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) August 24, 2021
Saddened by the loss of Charlie Watts. A kind and gentle man. He will be very missed.
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) August 24, 2021
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) August 24, 2021
— The Who (@TheWho) August 24, 2021
I’m just shocked to hear about Charlie Watts. I don’t know what to say, I feel terrible for Charlie’s family. Charlie was a great drummer and I loved the Stones music, they made great records. Love & Mercy. pic.twitter.com/C4q2zXvVKo
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 24, 2021
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
Statement from The Rolling Stones on the passing of Charlie Watts. pic.twitter.com/hKphgmUK7k
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) August 24, 2021
A hero is gone. No words. A huge gaping hole in the universe.
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) August 24, 2021
RIP Charlie Watts. https://t.co/kLSaIF9JKn
In total shock Charlie Watts was a lovely guy. He will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathy to his wife, the band and all his family and friends. 1/2 #charliewatts @RollingStones
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) August 24, 2021
I knew him a bit I used to meet him on the train when I used to go to Devon years and years ago.he was a great drummer and a great guy a one off sorry Charlie #charliewatts @RollingStones 2/2
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) August 24, 2021
Rest In Power #CharlieWatts RIP. You are a smooth brother. Thanks for all the great music. pic.twitter.com/ePlXpiiqNc
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) August 24, 2021
The heartbeat of Rock & Roll. The Great Charlie Watts. 😔 all due respect. https://t.co/k7tBR7KKFb
— B.R.O.theR. ?uestion (@questlove) August 24, 2021
RIP The incredible and irreplaceable Charlie Watts
— Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) August 24, 2021
Huge Loss! RS pic.twitter.com/3dhAVJKRaY
Charlie Watts (1941-2021) - One of the true giants. pic.twitter.com/XPcPdNGpaa
— Anthony Mason (@AnthonyMasonCBS) August 24, 2021
All of my hi hat technique I owe to Charlie . Thank you and RIP Charlie Watts.
— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) August 24, 2021
For 7 years, I was grateful to do PR for The Rolling Stones, a band I always considered mine and still in disbelief I worked with.
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) August 24, 2021
You will never find a man, like Charlie Watts. A kind soft spoken soul with a wicked sense of humor. The best time keeper in rock history. pic.twitter.com/sJcHCVDpR4
We’re very sad to hear about the passing of The Rolling Stones' drummer, Charlie Watts. We’ll always be grateful that he joined us for One World: #TogetherAtHome to ensure everyone, everywhere could access life-saving testing and treatments against COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/Z6TsXI9sBI
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) August 24, 2021
Rest in peace Charlie.#Legend #CharlieWatts pic.twitter.com/IXBpuShK3q
— Stephen Stills Official (@Stephen__Stills) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts was the backbeat of my youth. His style was often imitated, but never duplicated. He put the roll into the rock of the Rolling Stones.
— Brian Ray (@brianrayguitar) August 24, 2021
My deepest sympathies go out to his wife and family along with his lifelong bandmates.
Rest In Peace, sweet Charlie. pic.twitter.com/hemA3RJIZc