RIP Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts

Charlie Watts, the drummer of the Rolling Stones, has passed away at the age of 80, according to a statement from his publicist.

Bernard Doherty said: "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."

Watts joined the Rolling Stones in 1963, and was the only drummer in the group's history. Widely considered one of the best drummers of all time, Watts' style wasn't flashy but was well-respected among listeners and fellow drummers for its ability to elevate any song.

As news of his passing spread around social media, an outpouring of tributes from fans and peers flooded timelines.

Very sorry to hear of the passing of The RollingStones Drummer Charlie Watts.

My deepest condolences to his family, the band and the fans.

— Axl Rose (@axlrose) August 24, 2021

So sorry to hear the very sad news of Charlie Watts passing. He was such a nice guy and a major influence in the music business – he’ll be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and to Mick, Ronnie, Keith and all his friends and fans. R.I.P.

Tony pic.twitter.com/62veFSUjoz

— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) August 24, 2021

21 gun salute for Charlie Watts.

— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) August 24, 2021

One of my favorite things I found in my Metallica research is Lars originally trying to be a flashy drummer, but coming to appreciate/emulate Charlie Watts's no-frills-no-bullshit approach. "I used to think that stuff was easy but it's not, it's hard. It's fucking hard."

— Todd in the Shadows (@ShadowTodd) August 24, 2021

RIP to the great Charlie Watts, a brilliant musician who always played to serve the song. He so mastered simplicity that his style almost seemed mysterious--to study his work is to understand how “feel” and swing and the right fill at the right moment can elevate a song

— Mark Richardson (@MarkRichardson) August 24, 2021

As tributes poured in, a story about Watts punching Mick Jagger in 1984 after Jagger called him "his drummer" spread, with people respecting the class of Watts.

The best Charlie Watts story, courtesy of Keith Richards: pic.twitter.com/pEycNN9bKx

— Kyle Daly (@dalykyle) August 24, 2021

Watts is the first of the current lineup of Rolling Stones to pass away, and is survived by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood.