…and with the passing of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts at the age of 80 the Rolling Stones are down to just 3 remaining original members. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman who unbelievably quit the stones some 20 years ago are all that’s left of the original lineup from 1963. Another founding member Brian Jones reportedly drowned in his swimming pool in 1969, the coroner called it “Death by Misadventure”. Original co founding pianist Ian Stewart turned roadie died of a heart attack on December 12th 1985. Charlie passed away in a hospital with his wife, who he married in 1964 and despite all the temptations from the road remained faithful to till his death, by his side. Charlie gave the impression of being a more quite member of the Stones with an image of sophistication but one that can be provoked. In the Keith Richards memoir called “Life” Keith recalled one such incident in 1984. Mick Jagger was apparently full of himself after working out a multi million dollar Rolling Stone record deal with CBS that also included a solo record deal for himself. After a night of drinking, Jagger and Richards got back to the hotel room when Jagger decided to call Charlie at 5:00 in the morning. Jagger reportedly said “Where’s my drummer” A few minutes later there’s a knock at the door and Richards describes in his book, Charlie Watts, Savile Row suit, perfectly dressed, tie, shaved, the whole f___ing bit, smelling of cologne. Keith said he opened the door and Charlie didn’t even look at him and walked straight past him, grabbed hold of Mick and said “never call me your drummer again.’ Then he hauled him up by the lapels of his jacket and gave him a right hook. Mick fell back into a silver platter of smoked salmon on the table and began to slide towards the open window and the canal below it. Luckily Richards caught him at just the right time. Later on Charlie wanted to know why Richards had to stop Jagger from sliding into the canal. Keith replied in his usual sly and slightly sadistic charm, “My jacket, Charlie, that’s why!” R.I.P. Charlie.