Paul McCartney and Elton John have led tributes to Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
Watts’s publicist issued a statement on Tuesday announcing that the musician had died at the age of 80.
Following the sad news, Beatles icon McCartney took to Instagram to post a minute-long video in which he expressed his sincere condolences.
“So sad to hear about Charlie Watts, the Stones drummer, dying. He’s a lovely guy and I knew he was ill but I didn’t know he was this ill,” McCartney stated.
“Lots of love to his family, his wife and kids and his extended family, and condolences to the Stones. A huge blow to them because Charlie was a rock, a fantastic drummer. Steady as a rock.”
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While fellow Beatles star Ringo Starr posted on Twitter, “God bless Charlie Watts. We’re going to miss you man. Peace and love to the family.”
In addition, Elton John uploaded a black-and-white photo of Watts to Instagram, and in the accompanying caption, described the music legend as the “ultimate drummer”.
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Elsewhere, music stars including Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Questlove, Perry Farrell and Brian Wilson posted tributes, with Joan Jett adding: “Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind.”
Watts’s Rolling Stones bandmates – Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, have not yet commented.
