Rolling Stones Icon Charlie Watts Dies After 60 Years with the Band
Charlie Watts, the longtime drummer for The Rolling Stones, passed away on August 24, 2021, at the age of 80.
The drummer, born June 2, 1941, in London, was the quiet force behind The Rolling Stones. He joined in 1963 and stayed for nearly 60 years, playing on every album and tour. A jazz lover at heart, Watts also led his own groups on the side. His elegant, steady drumming earned him a spot in the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2006.
Cause of death
While the official cause of death was not disclosed, fellow bandmate Keith Richards later mentioned that Watts had been battling cancer. He died peacefully in a London hospital, surrounded by his family.
Family
Watts’s personal life stood in contrast to the typical rock star image. He married Shirley Ann Shepherd on October 14, 1964, and they remained together until his death. The couple had one daughter, Seraphina, born in March 1968, and a granddaughter, Charlotte. The family resided on a 600-acre estate in Devon, where they bred Arabian horses.
Shirley Watts passed away on December 16, 2022, at the age of 84, following a short illness. Her family, including daughter Seraphina and granddaughter Charlotte, announced her death, noting that she died peacefully in Devon, surrounded by loved ones.