According to keyboardist Chuck Leavell, there isn't a day that goes by that the band's members don't think of the drummer who passed away at the age of 80 last year.
- Sep 18, 2022
AceShowbiz - The Rolling Stones' longtime keyboardist Chuck Leavell says they think of the late Charlie Watts every day. Sir Mick Jagger, 79, Keith Richards, 78, Ronnie Wood, 75, and even replacement sticksman Steve Jordan, 65, are still devastated by the loss of the drummer a year after he died aged 80 on August 24, 2021, and continue to honour his memory.
"Well, the obvious is the loss of Charlie. It still stings, and we all think of him all the time. Steve Jordan as well, who is doing a fine job for the band," Chuck said when speaking to Goldmine magazine to reflect on the 'Satisfaction' hitmakers' 60th anniversary and the changes they've gone through.
Chuck - who has served as the principal touring keyboardist and musical director of The Rolling Stones since 1982 - says Charlie would have wanted his bandmates to continue his legacy by continuing to perform for fans.
He said, "It was so sad and tragic to lose Charlie last year, but he would never want to be the reason the band would stop, so we honour him in part by carrying on."
And the "Paint it Black" rockers plan to keep rocking until they can no longer play at this "level" and until it's physically impossible. The 70-year-old musician added, "How much longer can it go on? I don't think any of us know, really."
"I say that as long as it makes sense, as long as we are able to perform at this level, as long as we stay healthy, as long as the fans will come. One thing for sure is that none of us have lost the desire or passion for doing this."
