When it comes to rock and roll, the importance of a solid drummer cannot be overstated. While anyone can attempt to keep time, it takes a special kind of internal rhythm to elevate a song from something enjoyable to a legendary track.
The Rolling Stones, a band that defined rock ‘n’ roll for decades, were no exception. While Keith Richards’ iconic guitar work is often at the forefront, there were moments when he could sense that something was amiss—those were the moments when their groove was off.
The Rolling Stones’ most celebrated moments often come from them riding a groove, especially during their classic era from Beggars Banquet to Goats Head Soup. These songs had the space to breathe and stretch, allowing the band to explore musical ideas in a way that was impossible with their earlier, more straightforward tracks.
It was during these extended jams that Mick Taylor’s improvisation shone, but it wouldn’t have worked without the backbone of Charlie Watts behind the kit.
Watts, who was never particularly drawn to traditional rock music, brought something truly unique to the Stones’ sound. His sense of timing and willingness to experiment with rhythms and fills transformed the band’s music.
Whether it was the cowbell accents on “Honky Tonk Women” or the jazz-inspired quirks in his drumming, Watts was more than just a timekeeper—he was a musical innovator. His drumming added depth and texture to the Stones’ sound, making their songs stand out in a way that other bands of the era simply couldn’t replicate.
But Charlie Watts wasn’t always the drummer in the picture. Before he joined the Rolling Stones, Tony Chapman was in the running as their main percussionist. However, Chapman’s drumming didn’t align with Richards’ vision for the band.
According to Richards, Chapman struggled to keep time, often speeding up or slowing down the tempo to the point of wrecking the band’s groove. Richards, though diplomatic about most things, didn’t hold back when it came to Chapman’s abilities. He was clear: “Terrible. One of the worst… cat would start a number and end up either four times as fast as he started it or three times as slow. But never stay the same.”
The arrival of Charlie Watts in the band changed everything. With Watts on drums, the Rolling Stones found the steady, reliable foundation they needed to expand their sound. Even as the group’s lineup evolved, the constant was Watts’ unique approach to rhythm.
Unlike traditional rock drummers, Watts brought a jazz influence to his playing. He often avoided hitting the snare and hi-hat simultaneously, creating an unconventional but distinctive sound that became a hallmark of the band’s style.
Much like Ringo Starr’s work with The Beatles, Watts’ drumming was about more than just timekeeping—it was about musicality. His ability to add offbeat accents and subtle flourishes gave the Stones’ music a raw, unpredictable edge.
The band’s rhythm section, with Watts at the helm, allowed them to experiment with different grooves and rhythms, ultimately shaping the sound that would make them legends. In a world of rock drummers who followed the conventional, Charlie Watts carved his own path, cementing his place as one of the greatest drummers in rock history.