The Rolling Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80. His death comes after an earlier announcement that Watts would miss the band’s US tour dates to recover from an unspecified medical procedure. Watts was previously treated for throat cancer in 2004.
A statement on the Rolling Stones Facebook page reads:
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts.”
He was “a cherished husband, father and grandfather” and “one of the greatest drummers of his generation”.
Tributes have been pouring in from fellow musicians Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Elton John since the announcent.