'Rolling Stones' Drummer, Charlie Watts, Dies Following 'Undisclosed Medical Procedure'

'Rolling Stones' drummer, Charlie Watts, died at the age of 80 -- following an 'undisclosed medical procedure that forced the rock legend to drop out of the band's U.S tour.

The band's spokesperson confirmed the news on Tuesday, releasing a statement on the situation, saying Watts died "peacefully" in a London hospital.

"It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family," the statement read.

It continued, “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.” Adding, "We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members, and close friends is respect at this difficult time.”

As we said, the English drummer was forced to step down from his role as the band's drummer this month, following an undisclosed medical procedure, just days before the band was scheduled to re-launch their tour which was shut down due to the pandemic. The exact ailment was the drummer was dealing with is unclear. The drummer from Keith Richards' band -- the X-Pensive Winos -- was chosen to replace Watts for the band's upcoming shows.

Interestingly, at the time, Charlie's spokesperson revealed the rocker had undergone a "successful" medical procedure. "Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful," it read. Adding, "But, I gather his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation. With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks it's very disappointing, to say the least, but it's also fair to say no one saw this coming."

It should be noted, Watts was generally in good health over the past few years. The rock star did suffer from throat cancer in 2004 but successfully recovered from the disease. The drummer also had some issues with substance abuse in the 1980s -- but came out on top of that as well.

Charlie Watts is widely recognized as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, and many point out that Keith Richards spent most of his time turned around facing the drummer while bobbing his head to the rhythm. Also, it should be noted that well into his 70's Watts was the driving force behind the world's great band -- and would play the two-hour stadium sets which was "an act of great physical endurance.

The legendary drummer played his last concert with 'The Rolling Stones' in Miami back on August 30, 2019. Plus, he appeared with the band for the April 202o for the 'World Together' all-star live stream which raised money for the pandemic.

In the end, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards referred to Watts as "The Key" to the band and often joked about trying to rattle him while on stage by changing the beat, only to have the famous drummer change it right back. The two massive stars pointed out the drummer was just as happy tending to his horses on rural Devon, England farm, as he was playing to a sold-out stadium.

R.I.P.