A lot of disagreements about political beliefs, musical preferences, friendship groups, and even points of agreement are hidden behind the illusion of unity and chemistry that is often displayed on stage. It is said that Led Zeppelin members seldom interacted with one another outside of band obligations, particularly in the latter part of their tenure. In a similar vein, The Rolling Stones had radically different off-stage lives from one another.
The Rolling Stones, an ever-shifting and changing rock colossus, survived by employing significant pauses and a synthesis of disparate personalities. Even so, there are disagreements between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who are the group’s oldest and closest friends. Jagger’s acceptance of a knighthood from the monarchy particularly infuriated Richards, who stayed away for the majority of the 1980s.
Furthermore, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman, the original rhythm section, appeared to function independently of the main songwriting duo. Despite their abilities, Wyman and Watts were seven and two years older than the youngest member, Richards. The drummer and bassist only dabbled in the wild rock and roll lifestyle of drugs and revelry, whether age played a role or not.
In addition to staying socially apart from Jagger and Richards’ extravagant partying for the majority of the Stones’ tenure. Watts was an oddball. He never really got into rock ‘n’ roll. The late legend certainly didn’t miss the irony—he was the longest-serving percussionist of the biggest rock band ever.
When you ask someone to name their all-time favorite drummer, they usually give you two answers: one from jazz and one from rock ‘n’ roll. This is because jazz percussionists are unmatched. They frequently use unusual time signatures that baffle even the most seasoned rock musician. Unless, of course, your name is Mitch Mitchell or Ginger Baker.
Being a master drummer, Watts was more focused on his place in the group than the music the group produced as a whole. He was a jazz enthusiast even before he joined The Rolling Stones in 1963. Players like Max Roach, Charlie Parker, and Buddy Rich served as his heroes. In 1994, Watts told Mojo, “I never liked Elvis until I met Keith Richards.” “When I was younger, Fats Domino was the only rock and roll musician I ever liked.”
Attending a live performance of Miles Davis in the 1950s was one of Charlie Watts’ early musical experiences. The legendary trumpeter impressed him, but in Watts’ eyes, drummer Tony Williams was the real star. In a 2013 Rolling Stone interview, Watts remarked, “He was so unlike anybody else.” Watts appeared a little taken aback when Williams mentioned later in the interview. Keith Moon’s drumming was once described as “beautiful and free.”
Naturally, the rock ‘n’ roll community well-regarded Moon’s contributions to The Who, and Watts held him in high regard both as a musician and a friend. Still, very few jazz drummers, much less rock percussionists, could match Williams’ abilities. Williams tragically died in 1997 at the age of 51. Now, people regard him as one of the best and most distinctive drummers of the 20th century.
