The Rolling Stones have marked their first tour without Charlie Watts with a poignant video tribute.
The legendary British band, kicked off the U.S. leg of their "No Filter" tour on Sunday with a video tribute to the 'irreplaceable heart beat' that was their late drummer Charlie Watts.
The band rocked up at St Louis, Missouri, for their first tour since 1963 without Watts, as his memory was honoured on huge projections of photos and videos of him accompanied only by a drum solo soundtrack.
The fitting tribute for one of Britain's most iconic drummers was well received by the 60,000 strong crowd who shouted "Charlie," "Charlie," as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood bounded onto the stage for opening number Street Fighting Man.
"It was quite emotional seeing those pictures of Charlie up on the screen. This is our first tour that we've ever done without him," said Jagger, holding hands onstage with Richards.
He thanked fans for their messages of support and tributes to Watts, saying the band had found them "really touching.
"We all miss Charlie so much both on the stage and off the stage," Jagger added.
Watts died in August aged 80 after undergoing surgery for an unspecified condition.
He was temporarily replaced in the band by drummer Steve Jordan, as it had been anticipated he would need time to recuperate following the treatment but sadly passed away.
The 13-date tour, which was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, ends in November and the band has been ambivalent about whether it will be their last.
"I've been asked that question since I was 31," Jagger, 78, who himself had heart surgery in 2019, said in an interview last week.
"I don't know. I mean, anything could happen. You know, if things are good next year and everyone's feeling good about touring, I'm sure we'll do shows. I'm just trying to concentrate on this tour now."
