Charlie Watts, the drummer of The Rolling Stones, has passed away at the age of 80.
In a statement, his publicist said he passed away peacefully at a hospital in London earlier today, surrounded by his family.
The statement read: "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.
"We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."
Watts had been a member of The Rolling Stones since 1963 but earlier this month, The Stones announced Charlie had dropped out of their US tour after undergoing a medical procedure. Touring musician Steve Jordan was announced as Charlie's replacement on drums for the band's upcoming tours.
At the time of Watt's medical procedure, he said, "For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit, but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while."
A spokesperson for the drummer said the procedure was "completely successful" but needed time to recuperate.
The drummer marked his 80th birthday in June.
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021
