Ronnie Wood, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, paid a heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate Charlie Watts on the third anniversary of Watts’ passing. Watts, who passed away in August 2021 at the age of 80, was remembered fondly by Wood, who shared a black-and-white photo of the two on Instagram, accompanied by a painting of Watts behind his drums. Wood’s simple yet poignant message, “Miss you, Charlie,” along with a white heart emoji, speaks to the deep bond the two shared, not just as bandmates, but as close friends.
The official Rolling Stones Instagram page also commemorated Watts, describing him as “a light so bright for all of us.” Fans of the band joined in, expressing their admiration for Watts’ talent and gentle demeanor. One fan reminisced about his distinctive drumming style and warm smile, while another praised the shared photo, capturing the essence of Watts’ enduring legacy.
In the comments, fans also recalled a famous exchange between Watts and Mick Jagger, where Watts reportedly said, “I’m not your drummer, you’re my singer,” during a heated moment. This quote, although debated, highlights the respect and strong-willed nature of Watts, further endearing him to fans who cherished his presence in the band.
Ronnie Wood shared that he was the last member of the Rolling Stones to see Watts before his passing. During their final conversation, Wood assured Watts that drummer Steve Jordan would carry on his legacy with the band. Watts, ever the professional, simply asked Wood to leave so he could watch his favorite jockey, Frankie Dettori, on television.
As the Rolling Stones prepare to release their upcoming album *Hackney Diamonds* in October, Watts’ influence remains strong. The album will feature Watts on two tracks, with Steve Jordan filling in on the rest. Keith Richards, another member of the iconic band, has also spoken about how he honors Watts daily, passing by a portrait of his late friend each morning at home.
The Rolling Stones, despite Watts’ absence, continue to carry his spirit in their music and memories, a testament to the indelible mark he left on his bandmates and fans alike.
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