Charlie Watts death: Rolling Stones release video tribute to late drummer

Montage finishes with an image of Watts’ drum kit with a “closed” sign hanging from it

The Rolling Stones have released a video tribute to their late drummer Charlie Watts, who died this week at the age of 80.

Watts’ death was announced on Tuesday (24 August), just weeks after he revealed he would miss a number of US tour dates as he recovered from an unspecified medical procedure.

The drummer’s bandmates – Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood – all released individual statements in the wake of Watts’ death, but have now released a video montage to honour the musician.

The two-minute clip, shared on social media on Friday (27 August), featured a montage of Watts from his almost 60-year career with the band.

In a throwback clip, Watts discussed being invited to join The Rolling Stones in 1963, and admitting he thought they would only last a year before folding. In another piece of footage, he can be seen tossing a drumstick into an adoring crowd after being labelled “The Wembley Whammer” by Jagger.

Throughout the montage, Watts, famously the most level-headed of the group, appears smartly dressed in tailor-made suits, which would become another of his hallmarks.

The tribute finishes with an image of Watts’ drum kit with a “closed” sign hanging from it.

Dozens of music legends paid tribute to Watts upon his death, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Patti Smith.

Elton John wrote: “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.”

Additional reporting by PA.