Celebrities including Elton John, Bryan Adams and Beatles legend Ringo Starr have paid tribute to Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts after his death aged 80.
The death of the London-born drummer was announced on Tuesday - with a statement saying he had 'passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family.
Elton, 74, took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt message to Charlie, accompanied by a throwback snap of the pair in the 1970s, branding him 'the ultimate drummer.'
Rest In Peace: Celebrities including Elton John, Bryan Adams and Beatles legend Ringo Starr have paid tribute to Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts after his death aged 80 (Charlie pictured in 2017)
He wrote: 'A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.'
Beatles drummer Ringo, 81, also posted a poignant snap of the pair comparing drumsticks, and wrote: 'God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo.'
Canadian musician Bryan Adams wrote: 'RIP Charlie Watts, one of the greatest rock drummers ever and a real gentleman. Condolences to his family and the band.'
Charlie joined the then-fledgling band in 1963 after meeting Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones while playing in rhythm and blues clubs.
Along with Jagger and Richards, Watts featured on every one of the band's studio albums. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time.
Missed: Elton, 74, took to social media to pen a heartfelt message to Charlie, accompanied by a throwback snap of the pair in the 1970s, branding him 'the ultimate drummer
Watts was due to tour the US with the band later this year. But it was announced earlier this month he would not feature due to a recent emergency surgery.
His London publicist, Bernard Doherty, said in a statement this evening: '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.'
Earlier this month, it was announced that Watts was to miss the band's forthcoming US tour.
Drummers: Beatles drummer Ringo, 81, also posted a poignant snap of the pair comparing drumsticks, and wrote: 'God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo'
Heartfelt: Musician Bryan Adams set his condolences to the family and friends of Charlie
A spokesman for him said at the time he was 'unlikely to be available for the resumption of the Rolling Stones USA No Filter Tour this fall' as he recovered from an unspecified medical procedure.
The band are due to resume the tour Stateside in September, following its postponement last year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Session and touring musician Steve Jordan was previously announced as Watts' temporary replacement on drums.
Watts said at the time that 'For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while.'
Icons: Along with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Watts featured on every one of the band's studio albums. Pictured: Watts (right) with Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger (pictured 2016)
Legendary: Alongside frontman Sir Mick and guitarist Keith Richards, Watts was among the longest-standing members of the Stones, which has seen a shifting line-up of musicians including Mick Taylor, Ronnie Wood and Bill Wyman (pictured 2002)
A spokesperson said then that Watts' procedure had been 'completely successful' but that he needed time to recuperate.
Following the news, Sir Mick Jagger welcomed Jordan, who will join the band when the tour starts in St Louis on September 26, with dates also scheduled for Pittsburgh, Nashville, Minneapolis, Dallas and more
Alongside frontman Sir Mick and guitarist Keith Richards, Watts was among the longest-standing members of the Stones, which has seen a shifting line-up of musicians including Mick Taylor, Ronnie Wood and Bill Wyman.
In 2004, Watts was treated for throat cancer at London's Royal Marsden Hospital and he was given the all-clear after a four-month battle with the disease, involving six weeks of intensive
