Following the death of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts at the age of 80, tributes poured in from countless figures in the music and entertainment community.
“Lots of love to his family, his wife and kids, and his extended family,” said Paul McCartney in a video posted to social media. “And condolences to the Stones. A huge blow to them because Charlie was a rock and a fantastic drummer. Steady as a rock.”
“God bless Charlie Watts,” added fellow drumming legend Ringo Starr. “We’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family.”
Meanwhile, Questlove of The Roots dubbed Watts “the heartbeat of Rock & Roll.”
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys said, “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.”
Elton John described Watts as “the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company.”
In an especially poignant tribute, The Who’s Pete Townshend wrote, “Charlie Watts wept at Keith Moon’s funeral. I wish I was capable of such tears today. Instead, I just want to say goodbye.”
Find more tributes to Charlie Watts below.
Paul McCartney
Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021
Ringo Starr
#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
Questlove of The Roots
Brian Wilson
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
Elton John
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
Pete Townshend of The Who
Paul Stanley of KISS
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
Joan Jett
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 (@joanjett) August 24, 2021
Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses
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
Slash of Guns N’ Roses
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath
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
Stewart Copeland of The Police
So sad to lose a unique, iconic drummer. (and dancer)
He was a quiet gianthttps://t.co/W9QdcJwfur@RollingStones #DOTM #charliewatts #therollingstones #rollingstones— Stewart Copeland (@copelandmusic) August 24, 2021
Johnny Marr of The Smiths
Aside from being a unique musician Charlie Watts managed to remain completely classy throughout the whole of the Rolling Stones career. Quite an achievement. #charliewatts
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) August 24, 2021
Rosanne Cash
Playlist today: Gimme Shelter, followed by That's How I Got to Memphis, followed by Bye Bye Love, followed by Trouble in the Fields. Damn. #CharlieWatts #TomTHall #DonEverly #NanciGriffith
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) August 24, 2021
John Fogerty
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
Def Leppard
Devastating news , those in the know know he was the heart & soul of the band …. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting him a few times, a total gentleman… it goes without saying he will be sorely missed .. RIP Charlie ❤️ -Joe Elliott@RollingStones #CharlieWatts https://t.co/AEpHjUNPHh
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) August 24, 2021
Nile Rogers
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
Duran Duran
So saddened to hear about the passing of Charlie Watts . An absolute inspiration to a legion of drummers since the 1960’s. A man of grace , style , dignity and composure . pic.twitter.com/Nu4msDShAF
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) August 24, 2021
Billy Idol
Rest in peace, Charlie.🌹 #charliewatts @RollingStones pic.twitter.com/QUGyXhK1NL
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) August 24, 2021
Lol Tolhurst of The Cure
All of my hi hat technique I owe to Charlie . Thank you and RIP Charlie Watts.
— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) August 24, 2021
Dave Davies
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
Tom Morello
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
Perry Farrell
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
Chuck D
#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
Geoff Barrow of Portishead and BEAK>
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
Lenny Kravitz
#CHARLIEWATTS. The beat of The Stones. There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.
6/2/41 – 8/24/21 pic.twitter.com/Lw2USKaxYH— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 24, 2021
Liam Gallagher
RIP CHARLIE WATTS
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 24, 2021
Jason Isbell
#RIPCharlieWatts a good man in a rock and roll band pic.twitter.com/1NheFRD6oq
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) August 24, 2021
Garbage
So sad to hear Charlie Watts is gone. I learned how to play drums rocking out to Stones albums. RIP Charlie!
— Garbage (@garbage) August 24, 2021
Sheryl Crow
A hero is gone. No words. A huge gaping hole in the universe.
RIP Charlie Watts. https://t.co/kLSaIF9JKn
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) August 24, 2021
Todd Kerns
RIP dear Charlie. You were the best. This is a very sad day #charliewatts #ripcharliewatts pic.twitter.com/T6LIcpGKw5
— Todd Dammit Kerns (@todddammitkerns) August 24, 2021
Eric Idle
Saddened by the loss of Charlie Watts. A kind and gentle man. He will be very missed.
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) August 24, 2021
Rick Astley
Such sad news about Charlie Watts.
A true original icon – Rick x #charliewatts pic.twitter.com/zrA3k1XQDh— Rick Astley (@rickastley) August 24, 2021
Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down
Rest In Peace Charlie! One of the tightest, in the pocket drummer ever. The backbone of the ROLLING STONES. Legend! Condolences to his family, friends and fans.
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.#rollingstones #drummer #rip #legend #charliewatts https://t.co/WKzS717Mxb— sHaVo oDaDjIaN (@ShavoOdadjian) August 24, 2021
John 5
Charlie Watts has been in my heart ever since I can remember. Rest in peace thanks for changing the world.#CharlieWatts #CharlieWattsRIP pic.twitter.com/lFLXOafJnB
— John 5 (@john5guitarist) August 24, 2021
Mike Portnoy
Ugh…so sad to hear of the passing of Charlie Watts. It goes without say that he was an early influence on me as The Stones were one of the first bands I grew up with in the late 60’s/early 70’s. Our heroes are slowly leaving us…Carpe Diem 🙏 #RIPCharlieWatts @RollingStones pic.twitter.com/pPmuK6ktvM
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) August 24, 2021
Margo Price
thank you Charlie Watts 💔 pic.twitter.com/bKW1CwVGxD
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) August 24, 2021
Des Rocs
today we mourn the loss of an icon. Meeting Charlie and opening for @RollingStones was an honor I’ll never forget. A kind & gentle soul behind the most iconic drum parts in music history. Rest In Peace legend #CharlieWatts pic.twitter.com/4fKEXRnSX6
— Des Rocs (@IamDesRocs) August 24, 2021
Abbey Road Studios
"I wanted to play drums because I fell in love with the glitter and the lights, but it wasn't about adulation. It was being up there playing."
Remembering Charlie Watts — one of the greatest rock & roll drummers of all time. pic.twitter.com/24G42oMymb
— Abbey Road Studios (@AbbeyRoad) August 24, 2021
Global Citizen
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
Stephen King
I've been listening to Charlie Watts drum since 1964–57 years. Saw him at Foxboro before the pandemic. God, he was so good.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) August 24, 2021
Irvine Welsh
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
Hugh Laurie
21 gun salute for Charlie Watts.
— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) August 24, 2021
Patton Oswalt
The engine room has shut down. #RIPCharlieWatts https://t.co/V2gJuyregx
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) August 24, 2021
Bill Burr
This is the first Stones album I ever bought. And this was the song that sold me on Charlie. #RIPCharlieWatts https://t.co/6LaV57XdV8
— Bill Burr (@billburr) August 24, 2021
Eddie Izzard
Charlie Watts, you always seemed gentle soul and a decent human being. You have left a legacy that will always be remembered. Thank you for your work – Charlie Watts: Rolling Stones drummer dies aged 80https://t.co/AMBHKAAThr pic.twitter.com/CbcwgkAnCL
— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) August 24, 2021
