Charlie Watts, the drummer who provided the backbone of the Rolling Stones’ songs for more than half a century, has died, his publicist said. He was 80. Bernard Doherty said Tuesday that Watts “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.” “Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation," he added. In the band that has come to embody rock and roll’s untamed spirit both on- and off-stage, Charlie Watts was the one who kept steady time. 📸 Anton Corbijn Robert Hanashiro/ USA TODAY