Charlie Watts death: The sweet admission Rolling Stones drummer made after scathing Glastonbury complaint

‘It’s not what I’d like to do for a weekend, I can tell you,’ Watts said

Music fans are remembering Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones drummer who has died, aged 80.

Watts made his Glastonbury debut when the band headlined the Pyramid Stage in 2013 – however, he was less than enthusiastic about their appointment.

Speaking to The Guardian ahead of their set, Watts said: “I don’t want to do it. Everyone else does. I don’t like playing outdoors, and I certainly don’t like festivals. I’ve always thought they’re nothing to do with playing.

He continued: “When you’re a band … you do anything and everything. But Glastonbury, it’s old hat really. I never liked the hippy thing to start with. It’s not what I’d like to do for a weekend, I can tell you.”

Ever the professional, Watts performed the Saturday night set that saw the band tear through their hits, including “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, “Gimme Shelter” and “Brown Sugar”.

It turned out that Watts had an excellent time. As revealed by Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis, Watts enjoyed himself so much that he sent her father, Michael, a signed photo that they now “have up at home”.

The message reads: “To Michael, I was wrong. It was a great day.”

Sharing it on Twitter after news broke of Watts’ death, Eavis wrote: “RIP Charlie. One of the all time greats. It took a lot of work to get the Stones to Glastonbury and apparently Charlie wasn’t keen on playing festivals.

“After their momentous gig in 2013 he wrote this message, which we have up at home. What an honour it was to have him play here.”