Mick Jagger gave an emotional tribute to long-time drummer Charlie Watts Monday night during the Rolling Stones' first live gig since his death last month.
The Stones' frontman, 78, shared a touching video on social media from the show where he told the audience it was a 'poignant night' for the surviving bandmates.
'This is our first tour in 59 years without our lovely Charlie Watts,' he said.
Jagger said they were dedicating the show to Watts who they all 'miss so much' both 'on and off the stage.'
The moving moment came as the Stones' took to the stage at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Monday night for a warm-up gig ahead of their 13-date US tour which kicks off Sunday night.
The gig marks the first time in almost six decades Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, 77, performed without their famous backbeat.
Watts died aged 80 back in August of unspecified causes. He is believed to have wanted the band to continue without him and gave Steve Jordan his blessing to take his place as drummer on the upcoming tour.
Mick Jagger gave an emotional tribute to long-time drummer Charlie Watts Monday night during the Rolling Stones' first live gig since his death last month (above)
The show was a private event for billionaire businessman Robert Kraft and had the legendary band playing a career-spanning set of hits.
The show was held inside a tent on the pitch of the stadium where the New England Patriots NFL team play to give guests added secrecy.
'I must say t's a bit of a poignant night for us,' Jagger told the audience.
'This is our first tour in 59 years that we've done without our lovely Charlie Watts.'
Jagger said they all shared 'so many memories' of Watts and were dedicating the show to him.
'We all miss Charlie so much. We miss him as a band. We miss him as friends, on and off the stage.
'We've got so many memories of Charlie. I'm sure some of you that have seen us before have got memories of Charlie as well. I hope you'll remember him like we do.
'So we'd like to dedicate this show to Charlie,' he added, as the crowd roared with cheers in support.
Richards then came on the mic, adding; 'Charlie, we're playing for you man, playing for you.'
The guitarist then walked to the back of the stage as Jagger let out a deep sigh and said he was feeling 'all emotional.'
'What are we going to do now? Now, I'm all emotional,' he said.
The Stones' frontman, 78, shared a touching video on social media from the show where he told the audience it was a 'poignant night' for the surviving bandmates
Charlie Watts (pictured left with Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood) died aged 80 in August
Jagger and Richards, along with guitarist Ronnie Wood, 74, played a 14-song setlist at the warmup show Monday night which was a private event held by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
It featured classic hits including Start Me Up, Sympathy for the Devil and (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction.
The band also gave a live debut of Living In A Ghost Town, released during lockdown last year, and rarity Trouble's a Comin', which is yet to be released.
They also performed the live debut of the Chi-Lites song 'Troubles a-Comin',' which they will release on the 40th anniversary of the Tattoo You sessions - the Stones' album released in 1981 - October 22.
