The music world was shocked to learn that Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died on August 24th at the age of 80. Fans had been showing concern when the news broke earlier this month that for the first time in his career, Watts was sitting out of a Stones tour due to an unspecified illness. Keith Richards' longtime collaborator and drummer, Steve Jordan will fill in for Watts throughout the 13-city trek, which starts next month.
An official statement was released which read:
It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.