Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80, his spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday. “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” a statement from his spokesperson read. 

“He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family,” it added. 

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The statement said 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.”

This comes weeks after Watts was confirmed to have been dropped from the Rolling Stones’ tour to the United States, as he was recovering from an unspecified medical procedure, according to the BBC. He was previously treated for throat cancer in 2004. 

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He has been a member of the London-based band since 1963, joining Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones.  

Watts, a jazz afficinado, was known to be the quiet one among the members of the boisterous band, always balancing the unrestrained energy and charisma of his fellow members. 

The band, along with The Beatles, defined the Swinging Sixties era of rock’n’roll, with all-time hits such as ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’, ‘Get Off My Cloud’ and ‘Sympathy For The Devil’.

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Tributes and condolences poured in from around the world following the confirmation of his death. 

Sir Elton John said, “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.”

Meanwhile, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols said Watts “kept the beat to the soundtrack of our lives”. Bryan Adams called Watts “one of the greatest rock drummers ever and a real gentleman”.