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Charlie Watts, the longtime drummer of the iconic British rock band The Rolling Stones, has passed away at the age of 80.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” said in a statement prepared by Watts's publicist, Bernard Doherty

“He 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.”

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-- The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021

Tributes from other artists started pouring in, with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney describing Watts as “a lovely guy” and “a fantastic drummer.”

Another former Beatle, Ringo Starr, also expressed love to the late drummer, writing on Instagram, “God bless Charlie Watts. We're going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo.”

Born on June 2, 1941, Watts was born in Bloomsbury in London before his family moved to Wembley then in Kingsburry.

He joined The Rolling Stones as a drummer in 1963. As a drummer, Watts was heavily influenced by jazz and would bring that style into the band's blues-influenced music.

The Rolling Stones became one of the biggest bands to emerge from the so-called “British Rock Explosion” in the 60s.

The band was pitted against the more popular The Beatles, with the Stones packaged as rebellious and “dirty” as compared to the Fab Four's adorable and squeaky clean image.

Some of the hits popularized by The Rolling Stones were “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin' Jack Flash,” “Get Off My Cloud,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Wild Horses,” and “Sympathy for the Devil.”

The Rolling Stones announced earlier this month that Watts would skip the band's upcoming North American tour after undergoing a medical procedure for an undisclosed condition.