Charlie Watts, the unshakeable drummer for The Rolling Stones, died this morning. According to a publicist, he died in a hospital in London, surrounded by family. No cause of death was given. He was 80 years old. Watts was born on June 2, 1941. Growing up, he was mostly a fan of jazz — people like Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker. It was listening to Gerry Mulligan’s “Walking Shoes” as a kid that inspired him to play drums. After bouncing around various jazz clubs as the British blues scene was picking up, he met Mick Jagger and then the rest of the Stones. Watts played his first gig with them in 1963. Where most rock bands take their cues from the drummer, Watts was the type to hang back. He told NPR in 2012 that in the early days, he’d have to sit close to guitarist Keith Richards’ amplifier during live set. “And they weren’t very big amplifiers. So with an audience shouting, I needed that to know where the changes came,” Watts said. Watts gave off a different vibe from his bandmates in more ways than one. Aesthetically he preferred tailored suits, while the others took the stage with their more bohemian looks. He also did his best to stay out of the limelight, using some of the band’s early successes to buy a 16th century mansion in Sussex. But he was no less of a core member of the group, giving the band a steady backdrop to rock on for nearly 60 years. […]
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Rush Drummer Neil Peart Dies at Age 67
Neil Peart, legendary drummer and lyricist for the band Rush, died this past Tuesday, January 7 in Santa Monica, CA. He was 67-years-old. The cause of death was brain cancer, “which he had been quietly battling for three years”, according to Elliot Mintz, a spokesperson for the Peart family. Peart retired in 2015. His retirement also marked the end of Rush. Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have issued the following statement regarding the death of drummer Neil Peart, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 67 from brain cancer: “It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma). We ask that friends, fans, and media alike understandably respect the family’s need for privacy and peace at this extremely painful and difficult time. Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil Peart’s name. “Rest in peace brother. “Neil Peart September 12, 1952 – January 7, 2020” Our thoughts are with Peart’s loved ones during this difficult time. RIP Neil, you inspired many and will be missed by many more.
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