The Rolling Stones' drummer, Charlie Watts, was a pivotal figure in the band's success, often overlooked in favor of the more flamboyant and charismatic Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. While Jagger and Richards are the band's figureheads and songwriters, Watts was the steady musical anchor, providing an intellectually nuanced counterbalance to the band's raw rock 'n' roll energy. His quiet, reserved demeanor and jazz-infused playing style brought a sense of sophistication and friendliness to the band, elevating their music and creating a sense of unity among the band members.
Watts' role as the drummer was crucial, as he provided the foundation for the band's sound. His playing style was characterized by a steady backbeat and a jazz-infused sophistication, which contrasted with the excesses of his bandmates' hedonistic lifestyles. Despite his reserved nature, Watts was an original and eccentric member of the band, often sketching every tour bed he slept on since 1967. This allowed him to stay in the group for so long, as he was not prone to hedonistic mania like most of his bandmates.
In an interview with 60 Minutes in 1994, Watts gave his honest opinion on each man's role in The Rolling Stones. When asked about the greatest frontman ever, Watts named Mick Jagger as the best thing on stage in the world, apart from James Brown when he was younger. He believed that Jagger's approach to working an audience was unparalleled, and that his spirited, relentless movement across the stage and expressive delivery were precursors to that of the Englishman.
Watts' comments on Jagger were particularly interesting, as he once punched the frontman for calling him 'my drummer'. However, he was in no doubt about what was supreme about Jagger's revered onstage presence. Watts believed that Jagger took a lot from James Brown when forming his famous approach in the early days of The Rolling Stones, and that his influence was crucial to the band's success.
In conclusion, Charlie Watts was a pivotal figure in The Rolling Stones' success, often overlooked in favor of the more flamboyant and charismatic members of the band. His quiet, reserved demeanor and jazz-infused playing style brought a sense of sophistication and friendliness to the band, and his role as the drummer was crucial in providing the foundation for the band's sound. Watts' comments on Jagger and James Brown highlight his insight and understanding of the band's dynamics and the influence of other musicians on their success.
