The Stones are rolling once again.
Following a 16 month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic death of drummer Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones resumed their No Filter Tour of stadium shows in the United States.
The legendary rockers hit the stage at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, but not before paying tribute to Watts, who had been the backbone and backbeat of the band since he officially joined way back in 1963.
Rolling again! The Rolling Stones resumed their No Filter Tour of stadiums in the US at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis with new drummer Steve Jordan; the new man keeping the backbeat is pictured with Ron Wood, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
The show opened with an empty stage and only a drumbeat, as photos of Watts flashed on a video board. After the second song, a rousing rendition of It's Only Rock `N´ Roll (But I Like It), singer Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards and guitarist Ronnie Wood came to the front of the stage.
In a touching moment, Jagger and Richards clasped hands as they thanked fans for the outpouring of support and love for Watts. At one point, Jagger acknowledged it was emotional seeing all the photos of Watts, who passed away on August 24 at the age of 80.
'This is our first-ever tour we've ever done without him,' Jagger announced to the crowd, adding, 'We'll miss Charlie so much, on and off the stage.'
Tribute: The show began with a video tribute to Charlie Watts before the band hit the stage; Watts died back on August 24
Hitmakers: The band would come out and open the show with Street Fighting Man
Paying homage: In a touching moment, Jagger and Richards clasped hands as they thanked fans for the outpouring of support and love for Watts
And official cause of death was not revealed but Watts had suffered from a series of health problems in recent years, including a diagnosis of throat cancer in 2004.
The band wound go on to dedicate the song Tumbling Dice to Watts.
Longtime Rolling Stones associate Steve Jordan sat in behind the drum kit for the gig. He had already been slated to fill in for Watts when he trying to recover from his ailments.
Jordan, 64, was a member of the television shows Saturday Night Live and Late Night With David Letterman, beginning in 1970s and 80s.
