The Rolling Stones played a secret intimate show in London to celebrate their late drummer Charlie Watts earlier this week (December 6).
Hosted by legend Jools Holland, the band of Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards along with former bassist Billy Wyman jammed at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho. Watts’ family and friends were also in attendance.
Jools Holland also led a house band featuring Dave Green, Ben Waters and Axel Zwingenberger. Green was also a childhood friend of Charlie Watts.
“Trouble On My Mind”
This special gig also saw the Rolling Stones touring band join in.
Singer Lisa Fischer performed the track “Trouble On My Mind”, while saxophonist Tim Ries also played a special composition called “Blues For Charlie”.
Fischer also performed a live duet with Bernard Fowler “Up Above My Head”.
This gig concluded with a jam sessions from Watts’ Rolling Stones band mates Jagger, Richards and Wood. The trio performed the tracks “Down The Road Apiece” and “Shame Shame Shame”.
This special gig comes 35 years after the Rolling Stones played a similar gig for their keyboardist and co-founder Ian Stewart. This gig took place on 23 February 1986 and featured guests Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton along with Bad Company’s Simon Kirke and Jeff Beck.
Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts passed away aged 80 back in August.
Following his death, the band released this statement, “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, as a member of The Rolling Stones, one of the greatest drummers of his generation”.
“We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time”. More on that here.
The band members also paid tribute to Charlie Watts following his death. Check out how Jagger, Wood and Richards paid tribute to their bandmate and friend here.
Despite his death, Rolling Stones continued with their tour. Mick Jagger recently shared an insight into what that experience was like.
Internet star Nandi Bushell also paid a very unique tribute to Watts.
The band also took to Twitter to remind fans of their merchandise deal via their webiste. Check it out here.
