Watch Rolling Stones Give Tribute To Charlie Watts Onstage

Watch Mick Jagger’s Speech

The Rolling Stones played their first concert without drummer Charlie Watts at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. It was a private event organized by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Aside from frontman Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, Watts was the only member of the Stones to appear on every recording and every performance.

Jagger took the opportunity to pay tribute to their late bandmate who played with them since January 1963.

“I must say though at this point it’s a bit of a poignant night for us,” Jagger said. “This is our first tour in 59 years that we’ve done without our lovely Charlie Watts. We all miss Charlie so much, we miss him as a band, we miss him as friends, on and off the stage.”

“And we’ve got so many memories of Charlie,” he continued, “and I’m sure that some of you that have seen us before have got memories of Charlie as well. And I hope you will remember him like we do. So we’d like to dedicate this show to Charlie!”

“Charlie we’re praying for you, man …. and playing for you!” guitarist Ronnie Wood added. Wood, Jagger, and Richards urged the crowd to toast to Watts.