Music legends including Elton John and Sir Ringo Starr have paid tribute to the Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who has died at the age of 80.
His publicist Bernard Doherty released a statement on Tuesday, confirming the sad news that the veteran rocker has passed away.
"It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family,” it began.
"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.
"We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
Charlie’s celebrity friends and fans took to social media to pay tribute to the one-of-a-kind drummer, with Elton John mourning the music icon’s passing.
“A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones,” the Tiny Dancer hitmaker wrote.
The Beatles' legend Ringo Starr also sent his condolences to the drummer’s family, writing: “#God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo.”
Musician Sir Paul McCartney paid tribute to Watts with a video on Twitter, in which he said: “So sad to hear about Charlie Watts, Stones drummer, dying. He was a lovely guy.
“I knew he was ill, but I didn’t know he was this ill, so lots of love to his family, his wife and kids and his extended family, and condolences to the Stones, it’ll be a huge blow to them because Charlie was a rock, and a fantastic drummer, steady as a rock.
“Love you Charlie, I’ve always loved you, beautiful man, and great condolences and sympathies to his family.”
Super producer and Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers tweeted: “Rest In Power #CharlieWatts RIP. You are a smooth brother. Thanks for all the great music.
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan also paid tribute with a simple: “RIP Charlie Watts.”
Sheryl Crow wrote: “A hero is gone. No words. A huge gaping hole in the universe,” as Questlove added: “The heartbeat of Rock & Roll. The Great Charlie Watts. all due respect.”
Piers Morgan was quick to pay a sincere tribute to music legend Charlie, as he broke the news to his followers on Twitter.
"A brilliant musician and a wonderful character, he was the cool, calm, ever-pounding heartbeat of the Stones. Very sad news,” he wrote."
Piers later shared an anecdote about the drummer, as he added: “Charlie Watts: Legend.”
Former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote: “Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love.”
Curtis Stigers cheekily claimed that he had been conceived while his parents listened to a Rolling Stones track.
“My mom always claimed I was conceived during the chorus of ‘Satisfaction’ by The Rolling Stones. Thank you, Charlie Watts. I owe you my life. Rest In Peace,” he tweeted.
The Kinks co-founder Dave Davies said he was “in total shock” as he recalled his friendship with the drummer.
Queen drummer Roger Taylor said on Instagram: “How sad, we’ve lost a true gentleman. The immaculate beating heart of the Rolling Stones.”
“In total shock Charlie Watts was a lovely guy. He will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathy to his wife, the band and all his family and friends,” the musician tweeted.
I knew him a bit I used to meet him on the train when I used to go to Devon years and years ago. He was a great drummer and a great guy a one off sorry Charlie.”
Game of Thrones star John Bradley also paid tribute, writing: “In the great debate of who is cooler: Jagger or Richards? The right answer was always Charlie Watts,” and actor Michael McKean added: “RIP Charlie Watts. Nobody better.”
