Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have led tributes to Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who has died in a London hospital aged 80.
Stones frontman Jagger tweeted a lone picture of Watts smiling while playing the drums, while guitarist Richards shared a photo of Watts's Gretsch drum kit with a "Closed" sign hanging from the mic stand.
Musicians and friends of Watts have paid tribute to the drummer, who provided the backbone for the Rolling Stones' songs for more than half a century.
Mick Jagger: Rolling Stones
Keith Richards: Rolling Stones
Ronnie Wood: Rolling Stones
Bill Wyman: Rolling Stones
Paul McCartney: The Beatles
"So sad to hear about Charlie Watts, the Stones drummer dying. He was a lovely guy and 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. Anyway so love you Charlie, always loved you, beautiful man and great condolences and sympathies to his family."
Ringo Starr: The Beatles
Brian May: Queen
Roger Taylor: Queen
Elton John
Aerosmith
Bill Kreutzmann: Grateful Dead
"Drummers are bonded together by virtue of their instrument and I am saddened that today we lost a brother. The last time I saw the @RollingStones was in the arena in Oakland where the @GratefulDead had performed many times before. But being in the audience, I got to experience that show as a fan. I even paid for parking! When the Stones brought out @tomwaits to sit in on "Little Red Rooster," one of my friends reminded me that the Grateful Dead had played that very song in that very room. Charlie had his own feel for it and I loved it. I always admired his steadfast approach, ability, and style. Rest in peace, brother."
AC/DC
Pearl Jam
"We are so deeply, deeply saddened to hear of Charlie Watts passing. The impact he's had on musicians and listeners across the planet is profound. His drumming style and drum sound will live on forever in the songs. The songs that are forever in our hearts. That's where Charlie will be now. We were so lucky to have him. All our love and support to Mick, Keith, Ronnie and all of the Stones crew and family. It was a true honor every time we were in his presence." — Eddie Vedder on behalf of Pearl Jam.
