Forever getting his Yeah Yeah's out-Charlie Watts dies at age of 80

 On Tuesday , August 24th, the rock community suffered a devastated gut punch . Legendary drummer Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones passed away at the age of 80. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this tremendous lost . I want to keep believing it's not real . I heard the news while I was record shopping with my girlfriend over the speaker. The DJ was talking about Watts but in the past tense so I was puzzled. I knew he had to back out of the bands upcoming dates due to health reasons and I believed he was healthy and in a full recovery . Sadly I was mistaken . I couldn't believe it when I looked on Facebook and saw that Rolling Stone magazine posted the news. Fans of this site know I saw The Rolling Stones back in the summer of 2019 so hearing of Watt's passing hits even harder. The Stones are quite arguably the greatest rock and roll band in the world. You have Mick Jagger, the greatest frontman of all time , the immortal guitar god Keith Richards and legendary rhythm player Ronnie Wood. The reason why all 3 members gel so well together ? It was because of the backbone and heartbeat of the band that was Charlie Watts. Watts wasn't known for his flashy fills and crazy antics like fellow contemporaries Ginger Baker and Keith Moon. It was his in pocket, on time playing that made him so legendary. Charlie Watts (born Charles Robert Watts) came into this world on June 2nd, 1941 and hailed from London. From an early age he was self taught on the drums and grew up listening and loving Jazz. He was schooled on the music of Louie Armstrong and Miles Davis. Watts already was a superstar in the London club scene in the early 60's and The Rolling Stones practically had to beg him to join . He was reluctant at first and even turned it down at first , but thankfully he reconsidered. It's astonishing to know that Charlie Watts has played on every Rolling Stones recording and tour with Mick and Keith being the only other band mates to do so . No matter what musical route the band took , Charlie was there at the forefront keeping the beat. It's hard to pinpoint songs to showcase his abilities but I have surprisingly came down to 2 that  in my opinion showcase his greatness. "Get Off My Cloud" is the first song that pops into my mind when I think of Watts and his playing . The song itself is vintage and classic Rolling Stones at its core . However, it's Watts song. Right from the opening beat he never slows down and continuously uses fills throughout the tune. "Honky Tonk Women is quite possibly Watts best drum track recorded . Jimmy Miller opens with the iconic cowbell . However, it's Charlie's simplistic and in pocket drumming that makes the intro (along with Keith's riff) so iconic . It's a simplistic drum beat yet it is and forever will be unforgettable. Time does heal wounds and it's going to take a while for the rock community to move on . It also reminds us that the Stones are human too just like us and that life is a precious gift . 80 is one heck of a run .To say he had the life would be an understatement . Rest In Peace Charlie Watts. Truly one the of greatest.