When Charlie Watts, longtime drummer of the Rolling Stones, pulled out of the band’s US leg of their No Filter tour a few weeks ago to undergo emergency surgery it was the first time he sat out a Stones tour since joining the band in 1963. He was in good spirits at the time, joking that “For once, my timing has been a little off”. Sadly, he passed away earlier today at 80 years old. He was surrounded by his family. No doubt they are grieving a deep loss and we all are sad to lose one of the greatest drummers in the world. Thanks for the great music, Charlie. #RIP

Full statement from his spokesperson: “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 a member of The Rolling Stones, one of the greatest drummers of his generation We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”

Source: Rolling Stone