Veteran drummer Charlie Watts from the legendary Brit rock band The Rolling Stones has died aged 80. After joining The Rolling Stones in 1963, Watts was one of the longest serving members of the band. In a statement, Bernard Doherty his publicist said that the musician passed away peacefully on Tuesday 24^th August: "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.

Watt’s last concert with the group took place in Miami on 30^th August, 2019, although he did appear with the band during the April 2020 show titled ‘One World Together’ an all star live stream early in the pandemic. 

Born on 2^nd June, 1941, in London; his father was a truck driver for the English rail system. Raised in Wembley, he gravitated as a youth to the music of early jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton and bop saxophonist Charlie Parker. He was an indifferent music student in school, but began playing at 14 or 15.Watts was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Stones in 1989.

India couldn't have got any more satisfaction than it did when Rolling Stones that consists of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts performed in Bangalore 4^th April 2003 – Palace Grounds) and Mumbai 7^th April 2003 - Brabourne Stadium). The band performed as part of their Licks Tour during 2002 and 2003 in support of their 40^th Anniversary compilation album ‘Forty licks’.

The rock band is known for many popular hits, such as Paint it Black, Lady Jane, Ruby Tuesday, and (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction. Almost everyone who heard them live or have at least listened to their music is quick to comment on their ability to start you up and shake your hips.

The rock music world will definitely miss ace drummer Charlie Watts.

n  By Verus Ferreira