RIP and rock on, Charlie.

Sad indeed. Rest in peace Charlie.

With a heavy heart I spent much of the day today listening to the Stones. Charlie didn't get the attention that the rest of the cream of British drummers got, but Mr. Watts could definitely handle a drum set when called upon. Rest in peace, good sir. Your presence will be dearly missed.

I saw them live on their first tour in the U.S. while they were still an up and coming band and I saw them at Altamont. I can’t believe one of the Rolling Stones is gone. They seem like carved marble statues that will live on forever.

Photo tweeted by Mick. RIP sir.

Saw The Stones In 78-81-89-94-97-02 Had The Privilege Of Shaking Charlie’s Hand Backstage In Cleveland’s Gund Arena, They Do Go In 3s
Mr Hill Everly Watts

quote:

Originally posted by wingspar:
I saw them live on their first tour in the U.S. while they were still an up and coming band and I saw them at Altamont. I can’t believe one of the Rolling Stones is gone. They seem like carved marble statues that will live on forever.

Brian Jones

quote:

Originally posted by well1147:

quote:

Originally posted by wingspar:
I saw them live on their first tour in the U.S. while they were still an up and coming band and I saw them at Altamont. I can’t believe one of the Rolling Stones is gone. They seem like carved marble statues that will live on forever.

Brian Jones

Forgot about him. He was gone at such an early age and I’ll bet a lot of Stones fans don’t even know about Brian Jones.

And one day after all mankind is wiped from the earth, Keith Richards will be wandering among the remains of our civilization, looking for that last pack of cigarettes.

quote:

Originally posted by wingspar:

quote:

Originally posted by well1147:

Brian Jones

Forgot about him. He was gone at such an early age and I’ll bet a lot of Stones fans don’t even know about Brian Jones.

That wouldn’t be true if they were actually “Stones fans.”

He was the stable one. Married to the same woman since the 60s. On best dressed list several times.

If this story isn't true, it should be:

Our favorite Charlie Watts story was told by Keith Richards in his autobiography.
In 1984, the Stones were in Amsterdam. Keith and Mick returned to the hotel at 5:00 AM. Mick wanted to talk with Charlie.
“Don’t call him, not at this time,” said Keith. “But he did, and said: ‘Where is my drummer?’ There was no answer, and he hung up the phone.”
According to Keith, 20 minutes later someone knocked on the door of the room he was in with Mick. It was Charlie, who, far from showing up in his pajamas at that hour, looked perfectly dressed in a suit, tie and perfume.
“I opened the door and he didn’t even look at me, he walked right past me, stood in front of Mick and said, ‘Never call me your drummer again. I am not your drummer, you are my damn singer.' Then he grabbed him by the lapels of his jacket and gave him a right hook “, Richards recounted.

quote:

Originally posted by sigspecops:
And one day after all mankind is wiped from the earth, Keith Richards will be wandering among the remains of our civilization, looking for that last pack of cigarettes.

Lol! Joking aside, one does wonder what will eventually get Keith. He's got quite the constitution; must be good genes.

quote:

Originally posted by maxdog:
He was the stable one. Married to the same woman since the 60s. On best dressed list several times.

If this story isn't true, it should be:

Our favorite Charlie Watts story was told by Keith Richards in his autobiography.
In 1984, the Stones were in Amsterdam. Keith and Mick returned to the hotel at 5:00 AM. Mick wanted to talk with Charlie.
“Don’t call him, not at this time,” said Keith. “But he did, and said: ‘Where is my drummer?’ There was no answer, and he hung up the phone.”
According to Keith, 20 minutes later someone knocked on the door of the room he was in with Mick. It was Charlie, who, far from showing up in his pajamas at that hour, looked perfectly dressed in a suit, tie and perfume.
“I opened the door and he didn’t even look at me, he walked right past me, stood in front of Mick and said, ‘Never call me your drummer again. I am not your drummer, you are my damn singer.' Then he grabbed him by the lapels of his jacket and gave him a right hook “, Richards recounted.

I think I've heard that story before; good one.

I originally hoped to be a professional drummer. Was involved in lots of musical types -- symphony, stage band, jazz, rock, R&B, marching band, drum & bugle, and a short stint in country & western. I was good, but probably not good enough to make it professionally.

Charlie Watts had a jazz background, which made his presence in rock a little different. Charlie used a small drum kit and didn't try to be the lead instrument in songs -- typical traits in accomplished jazz drummers. He consistently laid down a tight and unwavering rhythm, which allowed the rest of the Stones to do their thing. IMO a song that shows Charlie's jazz influence on rock is "Can't your hear me knocking". A pure rock drummer, especially a power drummer, couldn't produce the swing feeling that Charlie contributed to that song.

Stewart Copeland (Police) and Steve Gadd (think Steely Dan's Aja) could have done something similar to Charlie's work there, but not drummers like John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Neil Peart (Rush), Keith Moon (Who), or Ringo Starr (Beatles).

RIP Charlie, one of the true greats.