This is an old story that, if true, is further proof that Charlie Watts is the coolest:


It’s hard to mention Watts’ name without bringing up one of the greatest behind-the-scene stories in the rock world. For a while it was merely folklore and multiple variations of the story circulated for years. In his 2001 Stones bio, Old Gods Almost Dead, Steven Davis was able to get Richards to confirm the story and thereby passing it from hearsay into legend.

It goes something like this: Amsterdam, October 1984. The band has gathered at a posh hotel for a week to discuss the possibilities of a new album and tour. Jagger is more focused on doing a solo record at this time and has taken a rather condescending view of another Stones tour. One night he is roaring drunk in Richards’ room and Watts is upstairs fast asleep when his phone rings.

“Izzat my drummer then?” Jagger barks into the phone. “Where’s my fucking drummer? Get your arse down here right away!”

Watts patiently gets up from his bed, shaves, puts on a fresh white shirt and one of his tailored suits and a pair of shoes. He takes the elevator down to Keith’s floor and walks into the room where the party is still in high gear, walks up to Jagger and knocks him into a plate of smoked salmon with a left hook. Watts leans over the stunned figure and says with in a stern tone: “Don’t ever call me ‘your drummer’ again. You’re my fucking singer.”

With that the mild mannered drummer walks out the door, takes the elevator back up to his room and goes back to sleep. End of story. Watts has never mentioned the incident and claims it never happened to the few journalists brave enough to bring it up. The fact that the band was in their darkest period and skidding toward certain curtains may answer for the drummer snapping (said Richards: “That was Charlie’s way of saying ‘it’s over’”). Still, that story is top-notch rock gossip and just as good as the one about Stevie Nicks’ hiring a special roadie to blow cocaine up…never mind. Anyway, my favorite part is that Watts shaved before going downstairs. Sure, that part could be fabricated, but still, think about it…classy.


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