You've become my go-to source for music knowledge, Rick. I saw the announcement that Charlie Watts wasn't doing well, and it didn't sound good. It's always a big deal when a well-known musician dies, but few have inhabited the stratosphere like the members of the Stones. It's hard to believe how long they have really been around, and how old they really are until we get a headline like this one.
My step-father was a carpenter. In the 60’s, the firm he worked for got a job making some alterations to the house that Charlie Watts had bought in Lewes (near Brighton, about 50 miles south of London). Dad’s first day on the job, he and his mate went out to the van and were sitting in the vehicle, just about to make a start on their lunch, when Charlie’s wife Shirley came out and asked them what they thought they were doing. ‘Just going to have our sandwiches,’ they said. She insisted that they come back in the house and eat at the dining table with her and Charlie who were also just about to have lunch. She’d just made some soup. The four of them sat and had their lunch together. Dad was working there for a few days, and also saw Charlie a few times when he’d pop into the workshop, in the town, and ask how the work was going. Dad could remember Charlie showing him his collection of Jazz records. Dad said there was absolutely nothing of the rock star about Charlie Watts. If you hadn’t known who he was, you would never have guessed that he was a star. He had zero airs and graces and never treated Dad and his mate with anything other than total respect, just an ‘ordinary’ guy, pleased that these two craftsmen were able to help him get the house the way he wanted it. I miss my step-father. He was one of the good guys. Not surprisingly, I guess, Charlie’s always been my favourite Rolling Stone.
Imagine being 22, joining a band, creating a sound for that band that becomes one of the most successful bands in history and not ever diminishing over the next 60 years. Good job, Watts.
Personally, I think part of our sadness with Mr. Watts' passing is the realization that those of us who grew up with the Stones are also closer to the finish line. RIP Charlie.
There was a young man in London looking proper, sharp and clean he loved to play his drums and was soon to play them on a scene. He met Mick and Keith and Brian they loved to play the blues they said "Charlie, your sense of rythm we will put to use". Soon the band got famous and toured around the world and everywhere they played Charlies beat was heard. For nearly six decades he steadily kept the pace always calm and stoic, though not without a smile on his face. But then one day in august he took his last breath the drummers beat went silent a great musicians death. There was a young man in London looking proper, sharp and clean he loved to play his drums and heaven is now his scene. Rest in peace Charlie, we will never forget you.
Not just a great drummer, but a great human being. By all accounts, Charlie was an unassuming, humble guy who couldn't be bothered to get caught up in the whole world of being a stereotypical rock star. Charlie was his own man.
Charlie had this amazing way of knowing what not to play, while knowing exactly how to play on the spots you're not supposed to play on. Truly one of the greatest pocket players ever.
For me, Charlie's death is the end of the greatest band ever, The Rolling Stones. A band that has given me immense joy and an incalculable number of profound experiences over the years. They may still tour, but for me this is the end. And with it comes all the joy, memories, and pain. I love The Rolling Stones. For what they gave me and will always give to my life. Thank you Charlie. None of it would have been possible without you.
So the story goes something like this. A drunk Mick called Charlie and asked “where’s my drummer at”. Charlie shaves, gets a suit and tie on, cleans up shoes, then finds Mick and punches him in the face and says “I’m not your drummer, your my fucking singer”. True or not I love that story.
i read that story Keith was there and said Charlie hit him so hard that he almost flew out of the window backwards 4 stories but Keith stop him from going out then said he was wearing his best jacket and he didn't want to loose it
An all time great: modest “I’m not a rock star I’m just a drummer”, and as a result so often underrated. Rock, jazz, ballads, he had it all. RIP you star……Charlie
Bill Wyman the other “straight non druggy” Stone told a story of Charlie. They were touring America and Charlie was an insomniac and hadn’t slept for days. He needed trousers adjusted and took them to a tailor shop. He was told it would take a few hours so he went to a restaurant for dinner. Once there he fell sound asleep and when he was finally awoken by the waiters he asked what time was it? They told him and he replied great my trousers will be ready. I think that’s such an English gentleman down to Earth story.
When asked if he'd ever thought of retiring he said he'd tried but after a few days his wife would say, 'You off to work then?' so he took the hint and went.
"I'm the most important person in the Stones. Sure, Mick and the others can get people to clap and sing and that's ok. But me? I make people dance." - Charlie Watts. RIP.
He was the least egotistical of the band, so having said this, I’ll bet he had to be probed & coerced into making a comment & it was the truth he did get us dancing!
@ding dong. Yes and something I've never been able to figure out since they replaced Bill Wyman, you basically never see the bass player. I've never understood that
Charlie has been a part of my musical life for as long as I can remember, this makes me very sad. When you get to my age 71 this hurts deeply. Much love from Los Angeles RIP Charlie
Charlie was the anti-rock star. In a world of drugs and groupies, he was clean and faithful to his wife (married in I believe '64). He dressed like a jazz player and was always a decent, humble human being. Yet he was one of the greatest drummers in rock and roll history. Definitely a sad day. RIP Charlie! He's keeping the angels in time in heaven :)
Today the DJ on a local station here (where Wild Horses, among others, was recorded) mentioned a time when the rest of the band was getting ready to rehearse late night at the hotel (while on tour, I think)... Mick was asking, "Where's my drummer?" (He was asleep) When Charlie found out, he got out of bed, put on a suit and tie, shined his shoes, and went downstairs. Then he told Mick, " No, YOU are MY singer!! " and punched him in the face. 😂 Gotta love him, RIP❤️
@@babyyoda3118 nothing wrong with calling a spade a spade. This comment emphasizes CW’s character, especially for a man surrounded by the excesses of rock and roll
@@dalakersfan Probably! What's even more impressive is that it appears he was faithful to her. With many long lasting showbiz marriages (e.g., Tom Jones), the husbands are constantly running around when they're away from home but Charlie seemed to be the traditional type. I guess Paul McCartney would have been much the same as Charlie if Linda hadn't died when she did. That appeared to be a very strong, stable marriage.
Charlie Watts was probably one of the most grounded musicians in rock history. He didn't really have the trappings of your typical rock star. People also need to remember that he was a jazz drummer playing in a blues-based rock 'n' roll band. One of the best in my opinion. Totally underrated. Rest in peace, Charlie. Thank you for the memories.
Charlie had class. He was the gentleman of the group. Nobody could wear a suit like he did. Smooth. Oh, and then there’s the fact that he is in the vanguard of rock drummers and pretty much set the tone for all who came after.
A true English gentleman and an epitome of good taste. As much as I love The Stones, once the heart of the band stops, there is no reason to carry on. This would be like The Clash without Joe Strummer or The Beatles without John and George.
He was actually once voted one of the best-dressed Englishmen by a magazine some years ago. And honestly, who else but Charlie Watts could rock a suit in the biggest rock and roll band in the world?
@@michaelplaskota4609 Keith Richards actually said as much in an interview years ago. Although many other guitarists have come and gone-Brian Jones, Mick Taylor, Ronnie Wood-and Bill Wyman quit the band, there’s no Rolling Stones without Charlie Watts.
I cannot imagine a world without Charlie Watts being around - I mean, he has always been there since I'm living. Steady, relieable, eternal like a rock or a stone. Just timeless. To me he was the coolest and gentlemanishest of all the rock n roll dudes. Rest In Power, Charlie!
He was so funny when he wasn't trying to be, when they would do thier videos in the 80's when the camera would pan on him he would have a look of unconcerned, uncaring, a funny lil smirk, like can we finish this already! He will be missed!
Maybe the best drum intro is Charlie starting off "Get Off my cloud". The Stones have too many brilliant intros to choose one. Personal choice "Gimme Shelter" or one of 50 or 60 others.
The thing I appreciate most about Charlie Watts and the Stones is that they stayed with it for so long, and in doing so gave us so much over such a long period of time.
Great choice of song tribute for Charlie - "Can't you hear me knockin'" is a really underrated Stones song - one of my faves - and really showcases Charlie's drumming.
Charlie and his love for his drums .vintage Gretsch .and jazz ..permeated his style on every Stones album..Albeit sublimely but..his integrity was unparalleled
The incredible groove that Charlie and Bill Wyman laid down in the song "Gimme Shelter" made it my all-time favorite Stones song. RIP Charlie Watts. This one hurts.
Charlie Watts was a great drummer whom knew his place in the band and put the music first. RIP Charlie and I hope you are enjoying some great jazz in your eternal resting place. God Bless.
Supposedly, Jagger once called him "my drummer". As the story goes, upon hearing of this from a witness, Charlie got up and went to Jaggers room (hotel) and cold cocked him. Rest In peace Charlie Watts, you brought so much aurel pleasure to so many. I will never forget the first time I heard you play 'Not Fade Away' all the way back in 1964. Such an inspiration to a 10 year old just gettin' his feet wet !
Rick..very sorry for such a huge loss on the planet. His tempo on the kit was cement. No matter how far the guys tried to hijack the speed-no can do. I will deeply miss him.
I recall watching the Pat Metheny interview just a few days ago, and I think the one thing he said that stuck out to me most was 'the drummer is the most important part of any band' because it's true, and coming from him was high praise. Charlie Watts deserved the highest praise for all he did for us music fans.
I agree. To me, his drumming (except maybe on "Sympathy for the devil" where the drums and percussion take center stage), was always kind of like him... relatively discreet, but if you remove it the whole thing falls down. Most of the time, he seem like the drummer every bass or guitar player dreams about : Good enough to keep a steady beat while doing a few fills but at the same time never doing more than what is needed, which gives enough room for the other musicians to show their skills... Almost like an "anti-Keith Moon style" of drumming lol which doesn't mean that Keith Moon was a bad drummer obviously (he's actually one of my favorite drummers of that era with John Bonham) but it's just that... A drummer like Keith Moon wouldn't have fit in at all with that "dry" "everything-dirty-about-the-blues sound"... Charlie Watt's sound and style really was the perfect fit for them. Like a nice solid glass in which you can poor your whiskey... On the Rocks ! ;) He had the perfect style for a blues-based band.
"Rock and Roll has probably given more than it's taken" -Charles Robert Watts Thank you for your contribution to Rock n' Roll & to the Rolling Stones for over 58 years. You will be greatly missed. RIP Mr. Watts
"I play the drums for Mick and Keith". And that's what made him so great. No 10 minute solos, no flashy bullshit, he played what the song needed and he did that better than anyone else. That's probably why he is so respected by session players. Not just a great drummer but a great musician.
Being a Gen-Xer, whenever I think of Charlie Watts, I always picture his shy smile and fluttering lashes in the video for “Start Me Up.” Even then, when I knew so little about rock music, I was struck by his restraint, both rhythmically and personally. Glad I was able to see the band in Austin in 2006.
I remember from one of the Rolling Stones concerts in Denmark, when Mick would present the band, as if needed, every member of the band from chorous singers to musicians would get a huge cheer but when he mentioned Charlie Watts a huge roar that would last for several minutes appeared. Like no end of it. And Charlie sitting there with a wry smile on his face, feeling loved.
Charlie Watts: His dry humor and reserved nature belied a style that takes tenacity to play. One can only think of, MAYBE, a few drummers in history with the level of resiliency of Watts. RIP
The universe is full of rhythm. Birds singing, thunder rolling, crickets chirping, the waves on the beach, the celestial orbiting of planets and Charlie Watts. What a mark he left on the way we feel time. The person has moved on, but his groove will never die. The way he brings the drums in on Monkey Man is one of my favorite moments in all of drumming.
I can still hear Charlie playing rim shots and kick at the beginning and end of my all-time fav Stones tune "Time Waits for No One." An education in how a jazz-rock drummer would play during extended guitar (Mick Taylor) and piano (Nicky Hopkins) solos. Not to mention how he accentuates Jagger's lyrics. Such a beautiful song.
I think Charlie gets underestimated by a lot of people - as a drummer. He was so musical, and always played just the right thing and had that swingy jazzy feel. With Keith and Bill, it was such a foundational rhythm section. RIP Charlie.
The Stones are one of THE greatest bands of all time, and Charie Watts was their driving force. Thank god we have their music to remember him by. RIP Charlie Watts, and THANK YOU, SIR!
I am deeply shocked. I am crying..a decade has been ending but will rest for eternity...Rest In Peace dear Charlie Watts, I have your drumm sticks from 76 tour start Frankfurt in my hands......oh my god...
I always loved the faces Charlie would make whenever the camera caught him. Sometimes deadpan. Sometimes a surprised look when a band member did something out of time. And then, there’s that famous Charlie Watts tight lipped, almost naughty smile. I always yearned for that one. Charlie played as if he was on stage in two separate capacities. First as a drummer, who could seem to do the job in his sleep. And second, as a spectator, who made it a point to be thoroughly entertained by whatever antics Mick, Ron or Keith would get into. The whole band was always fun to watch, but Charlie, was where you found the little surprise gems. That will be missed. History has taken another sharp turn. We will all have to adapt. Charlie will only have to rest in peace. Goodnight, sweet soul.
He was painfully bashful and unassuming. Bless his heart. It really hurt him when Wyman left, his hangout buddy who played Gin Rummie with him while drinking milk and watching Johnny Carson on TV in the hotel, while Mick and Keith did only God knows what. RIP, Charlie. The Stones lost a drummer, but we lost a real human being and one hella nice guy.
Charlie was a beautiful human being with great style and grace ... one memory I have is a photo of him with his lovely wife Shirley when they were just teenagers. They met as children, and lived a long charmed life together, eternal soulmates. A tribute to what a true and abiding love can build, and to the integrity of Mr Watts. What a man! Thank you for your smooth light and great talent, and for showing us what an enlightened gentleman really looks like Charlie.... the Angels are rejoicing to have you back 💛
I am at the age that the soundtrack of my life is passing away one musician at a time. I think many here feel the same. As Rick say, be happy that you lived in such great times.
Most of our musical heroes are older than us, 10, 20 years older... More and more will disappear, leaving us with the unforgettable memory of our youth. What makes me the saddest is that this epoch is disappearing and there is really nothing to replace it...
And so soon we will be following him and others into the dark. I almost feel the boney fingers grabbing. I still remember going to see the Stones in 1971 - tickets were $8.50, i was offered $300 and turned them down.
Two songs that really showed Charlie’s timeless style: Miss You and Start Me Up. Now consider the musical environment of those songs. Disco for the former and new wave for the later, yet his grooves were on point. Charlie Watts is a rock and roll patriarch.
A very sad day for the music community. But I am glad for him that he was with his family and in peace instead of pain, that is so priceless to leave with love and in a higher age. He left a huge legacy of art and talent. Unforgettable. You are so right, we are lucky and grateful to have had him.
"Start me Up" came over my car radio this morning and paid attention to Charlie's playing--man, his accent and beat placement(slightly ahead and behind) was genius.
"Perhaps the best-known recorded screw up of all time. Charlie Watts had a problem finding 1 with Keith Richard’s guitar intro to “Start Me Up,” screwed up his entrance, and then tried to fix it as it went along. That would make this the best-known train wreck ever to become a hit song and make oodles of dollars in the process. I’m sure he laughed all the way to the bank. Oh well, it just goes to show that sometimes a mistake can be the most interesting thing you can play."
I once heard “Charlie Watts is about 60% of what you hear in any Stones song”. I don’t know if the percentage is right, but I get it. His contribution is unique, solid and perfect for that band.
I understand exactly how you are feeling today. I feel the same, having grown up with the Stones and played a lot of their music. One own mortality starts to hit home when one of our heroes passes. And we realize that death comes to us all eventually, but to make 80 years living the Rolling Stones life, is indeed an achievement.
One of my favorite tributes to The Stones' legendary drummer came in a lyric from John Hiatt's 1988 song "Slow Turning." "Now I'm in my car / I got the radio down / and I'm yellin' at the kids in the back / 'cause they're bangin' like Charlie Watts." Gonna put my 1965 vinyl copy of "The Rolling Stones, Now!" on the turntable and listen to Charlie play the hell out of Bo Diddley's "Mona."
I remember when the Stones played in my hometown Nijmegen, the Netherlands, the band was being introduced (as if it was needed). Charlie got the biggest applause of all. I don't know why, but he was extremely popular in the Netherlands. I'll never forget that. And he knew it too. And loved it. He looked so happy. Great memories.
Keith was all praise to him in his autobiography, to the point that the Stones would not have been possible without him. Charlie demanded being paid for every gig. The other members would pay him and get nothing. That’s how important Charlie was. “We need him”. Rest In Percussion 🥁
I used to run home from grade school to learn how to play' Get off my cloud' on drums..the little snare fill part was a goal. There was something really satisfying about finally getting it. Thank you Charlie.
I met Charlie here in Copenhagen a couple of times when I was playing jazz gigs at Jazz Cup- a record store/cafe/ concert (afternoons). He was of course dressed impeccably and just hanging out buying records like all cats do. We chatted about what records he was getting. Just regular musician stuff. He was down to earth straight ahead- a cat. I dig people/players with no attitude. I dug him.
Charlie was also a great Jazz drummer. Don Everly is guiding him over today. Time marches on, we humans are just passengers riding it until it’s time to get off. Charlie, Don, we thank you for making this world more amazing!
Man, around ten years ago I would tell my friends "we're getting to the age where we're gonna start loosing our loved-ones, as well as our creative and mental inspirations and influences." Now that my friends and I have entered our 50s; this is starting to come to fruition more often than we care... it's starting to suck real bad.
charlie watts-r.i.p.- A TRUE LEGEND INDEED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yes i can say i was LUCKY to see the rolling stones in their prime !!!!!!!!!! charlie watt's legacy WILL LIVE on and stand the test of time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,very nice tribute and song selection by rick beato !!!!!!!!!
Very nice tribute to a wonderful man. I have listened and seen the Stones play for the last 50 years and I thought foolishly it would go on forever. His passing impacted me much more than I would have expected. Rest in Peace Charlie.
If one can write about "chemistry," it would be about Charlie Watts. He was able to mindread his bandmates and lay it down right. RIP, Charlie. Going to miss you badly. Too cool and not the fool. Just the beat.
I just want to picture Charlie playing in Rock and Roll Heaven with all the others we have lost! If there are no rock bands in Heaven, I don’t want to go!
