The world lost a rock legend today. Charlie Watts, the drummer for The Rolling Stones, died Tuesday morning in a London hospital. He was 80-years-old.
For more than 60 years, Watts provided the grooving foundation and rhythmic backdrop for the Stones. Widely recognized as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, he played a more understated role in the group compared to his more flamboyant peers. Nonetheless, he was critical in shaping the sound of “the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band.”
While Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are typically in the limelight, Watts’ drumming skills are on full display during a 1978 concert at Will Rogers Auditorium in Forth Worth. “Some Girls: Live in Texas ‘78” was released decades later in 2011 as a live concert film shot in 16 mm.
Watch Watts coolly drive home the beat on “When The Whip Comes Down,” an album cut off of their critical and commercial hit “Some Girls.”
Got a tip? Email Miguel Perez at mperez@kera.org. You can follow him on Twitter @quillindie.
Art&Seek is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
