Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dies At 80

Charlie Watts, the drummer for the Rolling Stones, died on Tuesday at 80.

“[Watts] passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family,” said his publicist Bernard Doherty in a statement. “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.”

Watts was part of the legendary rock band for more than half a century. His tenure was one of the longest of any of the group members. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were the only ones who were part of the Rolling Stones for longer. He will be remembered as one of the best drummers of all time.

Watts was known for his low-key and easygoing personality. He was also never someone to grab the spotlight with flashy drumming or publicity stunts. “I’ve actually never been interested in all that stuff and still am not,” said Watts to the San Diego Tribune in the 1990s, speaking about fame and the limelight.

Friends of Watts and other celebrities have offered words and tributes in the hours following his death.

Jagger posted a picture of the famed drummer on his Instagram and Twitter accounts without any caption, serving as a solemn memorial.

Richards also posted a captionless image of a drumset with a “closed” sign hanging from it.

Ronnie Wood, another fellow Rolling Stones member, offered words as well. “I love you my fellow Gemini ~ I will dearly miss you ~ you are the best,” he wrote on Twitter. He posted the message with a picture of him and Watts.

A multitude of other celebrities also paid tribute, with figures such as Paul McCartney of the Beatles, Elton John and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead offering their condolences.