Legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies aged 80

Watts' death was announced this afternoon (24 August) by his publicist. In a statement, the publicist wrote that the Rolling Stones drummer "passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family."

As well as stating that he was "one of the greatest drummers of his generation", the statement added, "We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."

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— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021

The drummer joined the legendary rock group in 1963, and has featured on every Rolling Stones album alongside Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

As well as being a drummer, Watts contributed art and comic strips to early Rolling Stones material such as their Between the Buttons album sleeve.