The Rolling Stones. Photo Credit: BMG
Despite the recent passing of Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones remain set to kick off a second North American leg of their No Filter Tour next month.
The Rolling Stones just recently announced their intention to proceed with the tour’s 13 upcoming stops, beginning with a show at The Dome in St. Louis on Sunday, September 26th. “The Rolling Stones’ tour dates are moving ahead as planned,” the nearly six-decade-old group specified in an official, widely circulated statement.
Veteran drummer Steve Jordan had been enlisted to fill in for Watts prior to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s passing, and the 64-year-old is still expected to perform with the Stones during the upcoming tour leg. The loss of Charlie Watts – who is the only individual besides Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to have played on each of the Stones’ 25 studio albums – will undoubtedly factor prominently into these quick-approaching shows, the last of which is slated for Saturday, November 20th.
A photo of Charlie Watts is currently featured on the Rolling Stones’ website, in honor of the UK Music Hall of Fame inductee’s life and accomplishments, and the group also released a video tribute to the legendary drummer today.
The two-minute-long work, set to 1974’s “If You Can’t Rock Me,” the opening track on It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll, includes numerous photos and clips from throughout Watts’ career. More than a few fans have responded to the video on social media, offering kind words about both Watts and the Rolling Stones, who inked a worldwide neighboring rights representation deal with BMG in late 2020.
“He was an elegant, beautiful and talented man and he will be greatly missed. Love to all the Stones family, the fans are holding you in our hearts at this sad time,” penned one individual.
“So sad about his passing. First record ive ever bought was a rolling stone record, he was the first drummer ive ever pay attention to RIP Charlie,” weighed in another supporter.
“Love this. So glad the tour is going ahead. He always said the only way the Stones would end would be Mick or Keith’s decision. He would [have] hated if it finished because of him,” authored a different fan.
“Eternally grateful for the contribution Charlie made to music, and the happiness he brought to our lives over many decades. Condolences to the band members, to Charlie’s friends and family, and especially to Shirley. He truly was dynamite,” stated a fourth observer.
