I can’t remember who said it first—I think it might have been a Nashville session bass player—but maybe the key rule for any musician in a supporting role (which really is any musician) is that they only have to know it’s you once. You don’t have to put your stamp all over a song, and you don’t have to be anonymous either. Charlie Watts was the epitome, and Shattered is a great example.
Couple of weeks ago in a crowded bookstore I half-heard the clatter of a guitar intro and thought “I’m not sure but I think this is the Rolling Stones. Then the drums came in and I said “Yup; it’s the Rolling Stones. What more could you want?
I love that you knew it was the Stones when Charlie came in. And I agree with you that Charlie encompasses the best and most important parts of being a world-class musician and, more specifically, a legendary rock drummer.
That's Charlie's magic IMO. Most of the time he lays back in the pocket with tiny, tasteful flourishes...but every once in a while BAM— a truly genius fill. Total legend.
A lovely tribute. I am fascinated by the fact that Keith Moon is your other big influence - that's a very left brain versus. right brain battle going on there! I have learned to love Charlie for all the reasons stated and in proud vermin's comment below as well. As I am always trying to instill on the kids in Rock Academy, the best musicians don't make it obvious how good they are. Cheers.
I hadn't really thought about the Moon vs. Watts collision of influences—but it makes sense in my mind when I consider my own playing (plenty of other influences mixed in there as well). Charlie's understatement really was his secret power and the Stones never would have sounded like the Stones without him IMO.
I meant to include in my original comment... Have you read the book Sympathy For The Drummer: Why Charlie Watts Matters by Mike Edison, like you a writer/drummer/fan? It's damn good.
I can’t remember who said it first—I think it might have been a Nashville session bass player—but maybe the key rule for any musician in a supporting role (which really is any musician) is that they only have to know it’s you once. You don’t have to put your stamp all over a song, and you don’t have to be anonymous either. Charlie Watts was the epitome, and Shattered is a great example.
Couple of weeks ago in a crowded bookstore I half-heard the clatter of a guitar intro and thought “I’m not sure but I think this is the Rolling Stones. Then the drums came in and I said “Yup; it’s the Rolling Stones. What more could you want?
I love that you knew it was the Stones when Charlie came in. And I agree with you that Charlie encompasses the best and most important parts of being a world-class musician and, more specifically, a legendary rock drummer.
Great write-up! Thanks for re-publishing!
As a long-time Stones fan,(but non-drummer), I always respected his tastefulness and restraint!
One of my fav Watts performances, though, is actually on "Where The Boys Go".
At about 2:17 - he does 5 single-stroke snare rolls in a row! A little unusual for Charlie, but my favorite part of the song!
That's Charlie's magic IMO. Most of the time he lays back in the pocket with tiny, tasteful flourishes...but every once in a while BAM— a truly genius fill. Total legend.
His work on The Lantern, from TSMR has always stood out to me, as well.
I love when fans bring up TSMR. I always loved Citadel (proto-punk to my ears).
Seems to presage Johnny Rotten’s sneer, even.
Yes, another of my favorites from it!
A lovely tribute. I am fascinated by the fact that Keith Moon is your other big influence - that's a very left brain versus. right brain battle going on there! I have learned to love Charlie for all the reasons stated and in proud vermin's comment below as well. As I am always trying to instill on the kids in Rock Academy, the best musicians don't make it obvious how good they are. Cheers.
I hadn't really thought about the Moon vs. Watts collision of influences—but it makes sense in my mind when I consider my own playing (plenty of other influences mixed in there as well). Charlie's understatement really was his secret power and the Stones never would have sounded like the Stones without him IMO.
I meant to include in my original comment... Have you read the book Sympathy For The Drummer: Why Charlie Watts Matters by Mike Edison, like you a writer/drummer/fan? It's damn good.
LOVED IT!