Mick Jagger and the rest of the Rolling Stones paid tribute to their late drummer and friend Charlie Watts, who passed away at the age of 80 in August.
The band played their first show without Charlie, and all walked to the front of the stage to say some emotional words about their departed friend.
Mick, 77, said: “It’s a bit of a poignant night for us. This is our first tour in 59 years without our lovely Charlie Watts.”
“We all miss Charlie so much. We miss him in the band and as friends, on and off the stage and we’ve got so many memories of Charlie.”
(Image: San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
“I’m sure some of you that have seen us before have got memories of Charlie as well.”
The band then dedicated the show to Charlie and said they were playing for him.
Mick then wondered what he was going to do next, as he was “all emotional”.
The bands fans roared with applause to support the surviving band members.
The Rolling Stones were performing at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Monday night.
(Image: Getty Images)
It was a special warm-up gig before they kick start their 13-date US tour, which is due to begin on Sunday night.
It’s thought that Charlie wanted the band to continue without him.
He had previously given Steve Jordan his blessing to replace him for the tour as he knew he wouldn’t be able to perform.
They then played a 14-song setlist, including classic hits like Start Me Up and (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.
(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
Sadly the band weren’t allowed to attend long-time friend and band member Charlie’s funeral in Devon.
They had to miss it because of COVID-19 travel restrictions for re-entering the US, that would have put the tour in jeopardy.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
