The Rolling Stones is honoring its “engine room” and virtuoso drummer Charlie Watts in a touching tribute video three days after he died at the age of 80.
In a two-minute video posted to the band’s official Twitter account on Friday (Aug. 27), the Stones honored their fallen member with vintage footage of Watts in action behind the kit, and the first verse of their It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll album’s opening track “If You Can’t Rock Me” perfectly sets the scene: “The band’s on stage and it’s one of those nights, oh yeah/ The drummer thinks that he is dynamite, oh yeah.”
A rep for the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer announced on Tuesday that he had passed away. “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” read the official statement. “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.”
Concerts West, the Stones’ promoter, announced on Thursday that the band’s 12-date No Filter tour is “moving ahead as planned” after the band announced earlier this month that Watts would not be joining them due to recuperation required after an unspecified medical procedure.
See the Stones’ tribute to their beloved bandmate below.
