Charlie Watts death: The Rolling Stones drummer dies aged 80

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. And of course, The Rolling Stones.” Sir Paul McCartney paid tribute to Watts with a video on Twitter: “So sad to hear about Charlie Watts … I knew he was ill, but I didn’t know he was this ill … it’ll be a huge blow to them because Charlie was a rock, and a fantastic drummer, steady as a rock. Love you Charlie, I’ve always loved you, beautiful man, and great condolences and sympathies to his family.” Sir Ringo Starr tweeted: “God bless Charlie Watts, we’re going to miss you man, peace and love to the family, Ringo.” Earlier this month, a spokesperson had announced that Watts would have to miss a forthcoming Rolling Stones tour in the US. The spokesman said that Watts was “unlikely to be available for the resumption of the Rolling Stones’ USA No Filter Tour this fall” and was recovering from an unspecified medical procedure. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 4 month free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 4 month free trial Sign up New Yorker Steve Jordan, who played on the band’s 1986 album Dirty Work, had been announced as Watts’ temporary replacement on drums for these tour dates.