Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80.
Watts on stage with the Rolling Stones in Berlin in 2018. /Frank Hoensch /Redferns
Watts on stage with the Rolling Stones in Berlin in 2018. /Frank Hoensch /Redferns
Watts, who joined the band in 1964, died at a London hospital, according to a statement from his publicist. He had recently withdrawn from a U.S. tour due to illness.
Bernard Doherty said his client was "a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also, as a member of The Rolling Stones, one of the greatest drummers of his generation."
READ MORE: Rolling Stones open landmark store
Watts, top right, in a Rolling Stones promotional photo from 1964. /Michael Ochs Archive /Getty
Watts, top right, in a Rolling Stones promotional photo from 1964. /Michael Ochs Archive /Getty
Formed in London in 1962, the Rolling Stones helped define the genre of rock music. Watts was part of their first long-term line-up alongside Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones and Bill Wyman. The band has since sold more than 240 million albums.
Watts, second from left, as the band promotes the 1989 Steel Wheels album /Gary Gershoff/ Getty
Watts, second from left, as the band promotes the 1989 Steel Wheels album /Gary Gershoff/ Getty