The drummer appeared on all the Stone's albums, and played at every concert and gig the band performed. All albums, and all performances since the early 1960s.
Until the band's most recent tour, that is.
Even though he was a hard working musician in a hard working band, he did not fit in to the wild and lavish rock star lifestyle. He opted out.
Mr. Watts reportedly liked to "stay home", proving that some people see the value in living a simple, low key lifestyle by choice. He never had a drivers license.
"I don't actually like touring", he said in an interview. Or driving, I guess.
"The one regret I have of this life is that I was never home enough." How many people, let alone a rich and famous star, say that?
When he wasn't rhythmically hitting the skins with sticks he was said to enjoy relaxing at home and listening to jazz.
Another favourite wild activity he indulged in was watching sports on TV from a comfy chair.
Unusual considering his friends in the band, who lived more publicly and notoriously, but it worked for him.
Charlie Watts showed that it is possible to resist the temptations and hedonistic delights that wealth and fame can bring.
Now he is permanently resting at our final home, sitting in the big living room in the sky, listening to music, and watching sports on the big screen cloud.
This is one rock star that did not say on his death bed,
"I wish I spent more time on the road working and partying and spending money."
Charlie Watts opted out as much as he could, and wished he could have opted out more. And he still managed to become one of the best drummers in the world.
In 1989, Watts was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He stayed home that night.
Loved this!
ReplyDeleteOh the regret about wishing he'd spent more time at home is so poignant!
ReplyDeleteMadeleine