Charlie Watts’ absence was felt deeply after his passing, but the Rolling Stones made sure his legacy remained front and center. Though they could not attend his private funeral in Devon due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, they honored him in the best way they knew—through their music. As the “No Filter” tour resumed, every performance became a tribute. Before each show, a video montage celebrated Watts’ career, featuring footage of him over the decades, reminding audiences of the steady presence that had driven the band’s sound for nearly 60 years.
▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 – Intro
01:06 – Charlie Watts: A Pillar of the Rolling Stones
04:10 – The Circumstances Surrounding Watts’ Passing
06:32 – The Private Funeral in Devon
08:19 – The Rolling Stones’ Commitments in the United States
09:39 – Outro
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On stage, Mick Jagger addressed his absence, telling the audience, “It’s strange being up here without Charlie. We miss him so much—on the stage and off the stage.” Keith Richards, who had relied on Watts as his rhythmic foundation, found the transition difficult. “This is the first time I’ve ever toured without him,” Richards admitted. “He was the best drummer in the world. The thing about Charlie was, he listened to the song. That’s what made him so damn good.” Fans also played a role in honoring Watts, bringing signs and banners to concerts and flooding social media with tributes. Musicians across the industry, from Paul McCartney to Elton John, praised Watts for his musical contributions and quiet presence, while younger artists like Dave Grohl described him as a drummer with “the perfect feel.”
Outside of the tour, discussions began about how to permanently honor Watts’ legacy, whether through a documentary, a retrospective album, or a formal tribute concert. Though he had never sought the spotlight, his impact was undeniable. For the Rolling Stones and their fans, Watts would always be there, his influence still shaping their music, even if he was no longer physically behind the drums.
Why the Rolling Stones Didn’t Attend Charlie Watts’ Funeral