Europe 1 with AFP 7:33 p.m., August 24, 2021
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died Tuesday in a London hospital "surrounded by family" at the age of 80.
It was his agent, Bernard Doherty, who made the announcement.
He deplores the disappearance of "one of the greatest drummers of his generation".
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died in London on Tuesday at the age of 80, his agent Bernard Doherty announced, lamenting the disappearance of "one of the greatest drummers of his generation". "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear Charlie Watts," said his agent in a statement, adding that he "died peacefully in a London hospital earlier in the day, surrounded by his family". A spokesperson for the artist had already announced in early August that he would not participate in the group's American tour, scheduled for the fall, for medical reasons. "Charlie has had a successful operation", but his doctors believe he needs rest, he said at the time,without further clarification.
"One of the greatest drummers of his generation"
"Charlie was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and also, as a member of the Rolling Stones, one of the greatest drummers of his generation," said Bernard Doherty.
"We ask that the privacy of his family, group members and close friends be respected in these difficult times," he added.
The drummer, who turned 80 in June, had been a member of the Rolling Stones since 1963. Along with frontman Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, Charlie Watts was among the oldest members of the famous rock band, which saw Mick parade. Taylor, Ronnie Wood or even Bill Wyman. In 2004, Charlie Watts was treated for throat cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, from which he recovered after four months of struggle, including six weeks of intensive radiotherapy.