Charlie watts rolling stones drummer

In the band that has come to embody rock 'n' roll’s untamed spirit both on- and offstage, Charlie Watts was the one who kept steady time.

Watts, the drummer who provided the backbone of the Rolling Stones’ songs for more than half a century, has died, his publicist said.

He was 80.

Bernard Doherty said Tuesday that Watts “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.” No cause of death was given.

“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," he added.

Earlier this month, Watts was forced to back out of the resumption of the Rolling Stones' No Filter tour this fall after having an undisclosed medical procedure.

Drummer Steve Jordan was enlisted to replace Watts on the outing, which was scheduled to begin Sept. 26 in St. Louis.

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