Tributes to Charlie Watts have been pouring in since the sad news of his death broke earlier today. They have come from all over the musical and cultural spectrum, as you might imagine, with the loss of the backbeat to one of the biggest, most influential rock groups of all time.
“A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer,” wrote Elton John. “The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.”
Ringo Starr wrote, “God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family.” Fellow Beatle Paul McCartney, in a video posted to Twitter, said, “Charlie was a rock…I’ve always loved you, a beautiful man.”
“I’m just shocked to hear about Charlie Watts,” said Brian Wilson. “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.”
The Who’s Pete Townshend wrote, “Full Moon. Rainbow. Always a sign. Charlie Watts wept at Keith Moon’s funeral. I wish I was capable of such tears today. Instead I just want to say goodbye. Not a rock drummer, a jazz drummer really, and that’s why the Stones swung like the Basie band!! Such a lovely man. God bless his wife and daughter, and I’ll bet the horses will miss him too.”
“A monumentally sad day learning my personal hero Charlie Watts has died,” wrote E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg. “I’m devastated and my soul aches for Shirley, Serafina, the extended Watts family, and of course his band mates. I don’t know what to say really. Charlie Watts Rest In Peace my friend.”
“Charlie’s drumming is powerful and unique,” wrote Robbie Robertson. “His approach is entirely his own and helped shape the sound of rock and roll. Blessings Charlie Watts.”
Questlove called him “The heartbeat of Rock & Roll,” KISS‘ Paul Stanley called him one of the “true timeless icons,” and Michael Des Barres referred to him as “The debonair brilliance, the rhythm of the Rolling Stones.” Robyn Hitchcock said he was “the motor in Britain’s sexiest beat group,” and Sheryl Crow described the loss as “A huge gaping hole in the universe.”
Lars Ulrich of Metallica wrote, “Thank you for paving the way. Thank you for setting the standard. Thank you for making it swing. Thank you for being cool as fuck. Thank you for literally inspiring every single rock ‘n’ roll drummer on this planet.”
You can also read tributes to Charlie from The Who, John Fogerty, Nile Rodgers, Carl Palmer, Bootsy Collins, Perry Farrell, Nancy Sinatra, Sonic Youth, Dave Davies (The Kinks), Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead), Hall & Oates, Jason Isbell, Chuck D, Jon Wurster, Sloan, Sleater-Kinney, Dinosaur Jr, Tom Morello, Liz Phair, Michael McKean, Axl Rose, Slash, Joan Jett, Billy Corgan, and more.
Rest easy, Charlie.
A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.
@therollingstones #CharlieWatts #RIP pic.twitter.com/9rjSSgioZL
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 24, 2021
#God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo 😎✌️🌟❤️🌈🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/3tSFg7EMQG
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 24, 2021
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/BrianWilsonLive/status/1430220368971710465
Charlie’s drumming is powerful and unique. His approach is entirely his own and helped shape the sound of rock and roll. Blessings Charlie Watts.
— Robbie Robertson (@r0bbier0berts0n) August 24, 2021
A monumentally sad day learning my personal hero Charlie Watts has died. I’m devastated and my soul aches for Shirley, Serafina, the extended Watts family, and of course his band mates. I don’t know what to say really. Charlie Watts Rest In Peace my friend…
— Max Weinberg (@EStreetMax) 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
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
— The Who (@TheWho) August 24, 2021
Drummers are bonded together by virtue of their instrument and I am saddened that today we lost a brother. The last time I saw the @RollingStones was in the arena in Oakland where the @GratefulDead had performed many times before… (1/3) pic.twitter.com/8MV3F8qNkb
— Bill Kreutzmann (@BKreutzmann) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts
[1/2] I am deeply saddened that today Charlie Watts has died.
We spoke a few times on the phone about vintage drums and we were always looking at the possibilities of getting together one day. Charlie and I had traded some vintage drums over the years. (…) pic.twitter.com/yVxmpbYY8B
— Carl Palmer (@ELP_carl) August 24, 2021
No matter what song the Stones played… it always had a deep groove… that was Charlie Watts…he will be missed. -J.O.
Photo: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/BIGqSxvySE
— Daryl Hall & John Oates (@halloates) August 24, 2021
We remember Charlie Watts with this Q&A conducted by Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley, originally published in a 1996 issue of RayGun Magazine. https://t.co/AKEtM26Cml
— Sonic Youth (@thesonicyouth) August 27, 2021
The heartbeat of Rock & Roll. The Great Charlie Watts. 😔 all due respect. https://t.co/k7tBR7KKFb
— ?st (@questlove) 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
We just lost another Great one, Mr. Charlie Watts! Prayer going out & up for his family & friends. Details here:https://t.co/44axXfEpgD (Thxs Charlie for ur Gifts to this world. R.I.P.🙏🙏🙏 Bootsy baby!!!🤘 @RollingStones @MickJagger @officialKeef
— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) August 24, 2021
RIP Charlie Watts. Forever the coolest. pic.twitter.com/HXlRhWdmyx
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 24, 2021
We are extremely saddened to hear the passing of the legendary Charlie Watts. Our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and The Rolling Stones. Sincerely, from the guys in Aerosmith you’ve given us all so much! RIP CHARLIE.
Photo by: Ron Pownall pic.twitter.com/18bAkjhVbG
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) August 24, 2021
RIP Charlie Watts https://t.co/2iWBy6aNyV
— KISS (@kiss) August 24, 2021
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies aged 80 https://t.co/LUVShR1yaM via @YahooNews AWFUL NEWS. One of the true timeless icons and the backbone of the Stones. Hard to fathom the loss. So very sad.
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) August 24, 2021
Our prayers and hearts go out to Charlie Watts family, fans and friends. The Rolling Stones drummer played on Satisfaction, Honky Tonk Woman and hundreds more. Rest In Peace, Charlie. https://t.co/TOLLj7jzkc
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) August 24, 2021
Very sorry to hear of the passing of The RollingStones Drummer Charlie Watts.
My deepest condolences to his family, the band and the fans.
— Axl Rose (@axlrose) August 24, 2021
The countenance of rock n roll is forever changed this day. Devastating loss, RIP #CharlieWatts https://t.co/K7BXUblO3b
— Slash (@Slash) August 24, 2021
Buddy would like to offer his deepest condolences, his love, and his prayers to the family of Charlie Watts, to Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and to everyone in the Rolling Stones camp. Friends till the end. All our love. ❤️ – Team BG pic.twitter.com/JeKzHxzLph
— Buddy Guy (@TheRealBuddyGuy) August 24, 2021
Drummers are the most ensnared individuals. Though they are loudest, they are the last to be heard. They have insecurities due to the fact that everyone has their back turned on them. Herein lies the band’s secret; there is no greatness- without a great drummer. RIP Charlie Watts pic.twitter.com/sAcE7SYiBY
— Perry Farrell (@perryfarrell) August 24, 2021
The debonair brilliance, the rhythm of the @RollingStones The solid space of his taste & touch will remain unparalleled in the history of Rock & Roll drummers.“Charlie’s good tonight isn’t he!” RIP pic.twitter.com/cp3osa6hTV
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) August 24, 2021
Another very sad Day in the World of Music …. Just learned about the passing of Charlie Watts the legendary Drummer of the Rolling Stones … our deep Condolences go out to Charlie‘s Family and his bandmates …. RIP Charlie
Scorpions pic.twitter.com/vxzIH9xnzT
— Scorpions (@scorpions) August 24, 2021
So sorry to hear the very sad news of Charlie Watts passing. He was such a nice guy and a major influence in the music business – he’ll be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and to Mick, Ronnie, Keith and all his friends and fans. R.I.P.
Tony pic.twitter.com/62veFSUjoz
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) August 24, 2021
Rest In Peace 🌹Charlie Watts .
.
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image via @RollingStone pic.twitter.com/uKePC5Jimd— THE CULT (@officialcult) August 24, 2021
We are deeply saddened about the news of Charlie Watts passing! https://t.co/u9r7fnPVJa the Living Colour family sends our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans. We are grateful for your friendship and advice throughout the years. Rest peacefully old friend! ✌🏿❤️🙏🏿
— Living Colour (@LivingColour) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones Drummer and Inimitable Backbone, Dead at 80 https://t.co/Bp0I6Dhojj via @RollingStone
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 24, 2021
Beat the drums slowly and play the fife lowly. One of the great musicians of all time is no longer with us. Charlie Watts was witty, polished & yet funky at the same time. I do believe he was the beating heart of @RollingStones my favorite rock band of all time. Godspeed Charlie pic.twitter.com/WCHK2yIvVh
— Jimmy Webb (@realjimmywebb) August 24, 2021
Exile On Main Street is a messy rock'n'roll masterpiece. Nothing happened in the studio each night until Charlie found the rhythm to whatever riff Keith was unearthing. Once they locked onto each other, things happened. He was the engine of the Rolling Stones. RIP Charlie Watts
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) August 24, 2021
I thought those guys were immortal…RIP Charlie Watts, the motor in Britain’s sexiest beat group. pic.twitter.com/tsDfoHBBHS
— Robyn Hitchcock (@RobynHitchcock) August 24, 2021
Goodbye Charlie Watts. My favourite Stone. I love the drumming on Get Off Of My Cloud so much. pic.twitter.com/NSj7D223ne
— bob stanley (@rocking_bob) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/MrNormanBlake1/status/1430255833800192008
https://twitter.com/JasonIsbell/status/1430218991457406983
https://www.instagram.com/p/CS9xlkPLEY5/?utm_medium=copy_link
https://twitter.com/Billy/status/1430211476300697608
https://twitter.com/SherylCrow/status/1430211774737956870
#RestInBeats #CharlieWatts -session invited by the great @bernardfowler @RollingStones rehearsing 3 hrs of #StickyFingers for concerts.Mick pulled out the the salt & started his dance even. Mr CW finished a roll & pointed his sticks at me!?-I was like Who me?Wtf! pic.twitter.com/S3rg5vYe7Q
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) August 24, 2021
I doubt I’ve ever played a show where I haven’t thought about him. For what I’m into, there’s probably nobody better. And the man loved dogs. pic.twitter.com/FBrXonny92
— Jon Wurster (@jonwurster) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/Sleater_Kinney/status/1430230264878223362
Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love. pic.twitter.com/xEfzaSLCba
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) August 24, 2021
Sad to hear of Charlie Watts passing. The Rolling Stones have always been my favorite band, and Charlie was the engine of subltle and heavy grooves. I’ll put on “Sway” which is my favorite song of all time. Any of us in a rock band wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for Charlie. pic.twitter.com/0GsCAIEIO3
— Mike McCready (@MikeMcCreadyPJ) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/garbage/status/1430217964456980483
Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/aasPZ2fMYX
— Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (@joanjett) August 24, 2021
Peace and love, Charlie Watts. 💔 pic.twitter.com/SSc7s3Qf9w
— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) August 24, 2021
from J: Miss you Charlie you’re the best#charliewatts pic.twitter.com/ch9CkhErFJ
— Dinosaur Jr (@dinosaurjr) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/PhizLair/status/1430212800823975937
RIP Charlie Watts.
You kept the beat to the soundtrack of our lives.
A sad day. pic.twitter.com/BaVFal7HMP— Glen Matlock (@GlenMatlock) August 24, 2021
Not playing the hi hat with the snare on 2 & 4 was genius.
He kept that band cool for 30 years.
You can’t replace him.
— 🏴☠️ Geoff Barrow 🏴☠️ (@jetfury) August 24, 2021
RIP @RollingStones Charlie Watts … https://t.co/n29h3DZdGi
— Monty Python (@montypython) August 24, 2021
RIP Charlie Watts. Nobody better.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/rosannecash/status/1430218785219399682
RIP CHARLIE WATTS
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/TheFeeliesNJ/status/1430216581007790080
charlie watts, thank you. you brought me the first shiver up my spine and made me feel more alive thousands of times. you were one of the pinnacles. rest easy and free.
— matthew caws (@nadasurf) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1430213473984778245
https://twitter.com/theheavyjamz/status/1430215310779588610
RIP #CharlieWatts: https://t.co/RoTdL5QvnV
— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) August 24, 2021
RIP Charlie Watts. Always steadfastly came over as a no-nonsense honest broker in a situation where the acclaim, wealth, pomposity and egotism could corrupt the sweetest of souls.
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) August 24, 2021
Can't focus. Can't keep time. Reality itself has no rhythm. The entire world is drifting, sloppy, unsequenced, unpunctuated, unstructured and purposeless. Shit. Fuck. No.
Charlie Watts is dead. RIP.
— David Simon (@AoDespair) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts. Always rocking. https://t.co/g80IwPGMT7
— They Might Be Giants (@tmbg) August 24, 2021
thank you Charlie Watts 💔 pic.twitter.com/bKW1CwVGxD
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) August 24, 2021
His pocket in a song was as crisp and tight, as the pocket square in his savile row suits…Rest Easy Legend #CharlieWatts pic.twitter.com/jVOVMldNWu
— Mark McGrath (@mark_mcgrath) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/RonSexsmith/status/1430211610719752192
Every drummer in the world—no matter of genre—needs to lift their hand off that hi-hat on 2 & 4 today in honor of Charlie Watts, the man who made The World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band ROLL. If there’s a better rock groove than Brown Sugar I’ve yet to hear it. Rest in swing. pic.twitter.com/M4GBgYhXa9
— Patrick Berkery (@PatrickDBerkery) August 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/TitusAndronicus/status/1430213843997925382
https://twitter.com/SteveGunnMusic/status/1430214872789364739
Damn, Charlie Watts 😢
— Medieval Knievel (@atrak) August 24, 2021
CHARLIE WATTS BUBBA. YOU LOVE THE MUSIC YOU LOVE THE LEGEND. I NEVER FORGET WE PARTY IN THE 1981 BUBBA. GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER pic.twitter.com/2GQvlY34tV
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) August 24, 2021
Charlie Watts, Bedrock Drummer for the Rolling Stones, Dies at 80 https://t.co/V4x8bQJYQo Gutted. A Titan has passed Rest in power good man
— TitusWelliver (@welliver_titus) August 24, 2021
The day Charlie Watts punched Mick Jagger is still a top ten rock and roll story. pic.twitter.com/tgrEpaMI5m
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) August 24, 2021
So long Charlie. pic.twitter.com/0lg2MgFfUX
— colin meloy (@colinmeloy) August 24, 2021