Mick Jagger posts picture of Charlie Watts as tributes pour in for 'ultimate drummer'

Rolling Stones musician died peacefully in a London hospital on Tuesday surrounded by family

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  A stylish Charles Robert Watts, aged 2, with his mother Lillian and father Charles in Piccadilly Circus in 1943. Charlie was known as Charlie Boy, while his dad was called Charlie. Getty Images

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  Charlie Watts, drummer for The Rolling Stones poses for a picture in December 1963, the same year he joined the band. Getty Images

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  This photo taken on July 22, 1965 in London shows The Rolling Stones, (from L to R) drummer Charlie Watts, guitarist Brian Jones, guitarist Keith Richards, singer Mick Jagger and bass guitarist Bill Wyman. AFP

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  English drummer Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones, circa 1965. Getty Images

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  The Rolling Stones performing 'She Smiled Sweetly' on the Eamonn Andrews show, on February 5, 1967. From left to right Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. Getty Images

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  A portrait of The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, taken on December 10, 1968. Getty Images

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  English drummer Charlie Watts of the rock group The Rolling Stones at Heathrow Airport in London, along with his wife Shirley (left) and their daughter Seraphina, in 1972. Getty

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  Charlie Watts, drummer of The Rolling Stones, in 1976. Getty Images

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  Drummer Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones, at a British concert and sporting a new David Bowie style feather cut. Getty Images

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  British drummer Charlie Watts as The Rolling Stones perform at Earl's Court, as part of their Tour of Europe '76, London, England, in May 1976. Getty Images

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  The Rolling Stones, 1977. (L-R) Charlie Watts, Ron Wood, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Mick Jagger. Getty Images

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  From left: The Rolling Stones's Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts arrive by yacht at Chelsea Piers on May 3, 1994 in New York to kick-off their 'Voodoo Lounge' world tour. It is also the first time the Stones have toured without their bass player Bill Wyman, who left the group the previous year. AFP

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  Drummer Charlie Watts performs at the opening night of the European leg of The Rolling Stones's Forty Licks Tour at the Olimpiahalle Spiridon on June 4, 2003 in Munich, Germany. Getty Images

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  Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones and his wife Shirley attend the 41st 'Pride of Poland' Arabian Horse Auction in Janow Podlaski, south-east Poland, in 2010. EPA

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  Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones poses for a portrait on November 14, 2016, in New York. AP

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  Ronnie Wood, from left, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones perform on July 15, 2019, in New Orleans. AP

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who died on Tuesday aged 80, was the "ultimate drummer" and the "most stylish of men", celebrity friends have said as tributes pour in.

Watts, who had been with the famous band since 1963, died at a London hospital from an unspecified illness. Announcing his death, publicist Bernard Doherty said he was "one of the greatest drummers of his generation".

“Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather," he said. "He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family."

The Rolling Stones posted a photo of Watts along with the statement on their social media accounts.

Watts's bandmate Mick Jagger posted a photo of a smiling Watts at the drums, on his social media accounts.

News of the musician's death drew swift reactions from stars around the world.

"A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones," Elton John posted on Instagram, along with a photo of himself with Watts.

Another great musician, Paul McCartney posted a video on Twitter, calling Watts "a rock".

“He was a lovely guy … Condolences to the Stones. A huge blow to them because Charlie was a rock. A fantastic drummer, steady as a rock. Love you, Charlie, will always love you. Beautiful man, and great condolences and sympathy to his family," the Beatle said.

Fellow Beatle Ringo Starr also posted a tribute.

"We're going to miss you man," the drummer said on Twitter.

American rocker Joan Jett called him "one of a kind".

"Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind," she posted on Twitter.

Born in London in 1941, Watts started drumming in London's rhythm and blues clubs before joining the fledgling The Rolling Stones.

Earlier in August, it was announced that he was to miss the band’s coming US tour after suffering from an unspecified health issue.

“For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while," he said at the time.

Other musicians and bands have paid tributes to Watts on social media. Here are some of them:

“The beat of The Stones. There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.” – Lenny Kravitz, musician.

“Drummers are the most ensnared individuals. Though they are loudest, they are the last to be heard. They have insecurities due to the fact that everyone has their back turned on them. Herein lies the band’s secret; there is no greatness- without a great drummer. – Perry Farrell, frontman of Jane's Addiction.

“The heartbeat of Rock & Roll. The Great Charlie Watts. all due respect.” – Questlove, drummer and frontman of The Roots.

“This is Charlie Watts. Mourned and beloved by all.” – Patti Smith, singer, songwriter.

“Charlie Watts wept at Keith Moon’s funeral. I wish I was capable of such tears today. Instead I just want to say goodbye. Not a rock drummer, a jazz drummer really, and that’s why the Stones swung like the Basie band!! Such a lovely man.” – Pete Townshend, co-founder of The Who.

“I feel terrible for Charlie’s family. Charlie was a great drummer and I loved the Stones music, they made great records. Love & Mercy.” – Brian Wilson, founder of The Beach Boys.

“A monumentally sad day learning my personal hero Charlie Watts has died. I’m devastated and my soul aches for Shirley, Seraphina, the extended Watts family, and of course his band mates.” – Max Weinberg, drummer of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.

“A hero is gone. No words. A huge gaping hole in the universe.” – Sheryl Crow, singer, songwriter.

“The most subtlety, warmth and feel of any rock drummer in history. Rest beautifully Charlie we treasure your gifts.” – Flea, bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“Rest In Power #CharlieWatts RIP. You are a smooth brother. Thanks for all the great music.” – Nile Rodgers, co-founder of Chic.

"For those of us that love music, we’ve lost one of the true pioneers of rock'n'roll. A consummate performer and an even better human. There’s so much to say about Charlie, but for now we will listen to the gift he gave us all - his music." – Nickelback.

"Devastating news, those in the know, know he was the heart & soul of the band." – Def Leppard.

"So saddened to hear about the passing of Charlie Watts. An absolute inspiration to a legion of drummers since the 1960s. A man of grace, style, dignity and composure." – Duran Duran