Charlie Watts († 80), drummer of the legendary band Rolling Stones – Topky, died

According to Doherty, Watts died Tuesday at a London hospital surrounded by his family. “The beloved husband, father and grandfather and one of the greatest drummers of his generation have left,” the BBC quotes from Doherty’s statement.

Watts was treated for throat cancer in 2004. He became a member of The Rolling Stones in January 1963. In early August, the BBC announced that Watts would not take part in the upcoming tour of The Rolling Stones in the United States to recover from an unspecified medical procedure. Steve Jordan (64) was to represent him on the American part of the September No Filter Tour.