It was just announced today that legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died ‘Peacefully’ from throat cancer at 80 years old.
Bernard Doherty, Watts’ publicist, confirmed the news but did not specify exactly what the cause of death was, just that he had gone ‘peacefully.’ The rocker had battled throat cancer.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” Doherty shared. “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.”
It was recently announced that Watts would not be going on tour this fall with the band.
“Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful, but his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation,” a rep for the band said at the time. “With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks, it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say no one saw this coming.”
The Rolling Stones formed in 1962 and were one of the last legendary ’60s bands with most band members still standing, until now.
“We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time,” he added.
As soon as the tragic news broke, The Rolling Stones’ Instagram page posted a caption-less photo of the band’s longtime drummer looking dapper in a suit.
