Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dies at 80

Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones, has died at the age of 80.

A statement from the band and Watts’ spokesperson read, “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.”

“Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also a member of the Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation,” the statement continued. “We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”

While no cause of death has been confirmed, Watts recently had to drop out of the band’s upcoming tour to recover from a medical procedure.

Watts had been playing with the Rolling Stones since 1963.