How Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts had a special connection to Melbourne - as the world continues to mourn the legendary rock icon following his death at age 80
It was announced on Tuesday that legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones Charlie Watts had died, surrounded by his family in hospital at the age of 80.
And as fans globally mourn the loss of the musical icon, many have shared heartfelt anecdotes about the London-born rocker, who made up one of the most popular bands in the world.
On Wednesday, The Herald Sun reported that Charlie enjoyed a special connection with the Australian city of Melbourne, and loved to immerse himself in the quirky city's sports and jazz scene whenever he toured there.
![Legend: As fans globally mourn the loss of musical icon Charlie Watts, many have shared heartfelt anecdotes about the London-born Rolling Stones rocker - and his special connection with the Australian city of Melbourne](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/08/25/13/47083955-9925703-Legend_As_fans_globally_mourn_the_loss_of_musical_icon_Charlie_W-m-11_1629894533788.jpg)
Legend: As fans globally mourn the loss of musical icon Charlie Watts, many have shared heartfelt anecdotes about the London-born Rolling Stones rocker - and his special connection with the Australian city of Melbourne
When the Stones played their Voodoo Lounge tour in March 1995 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, long-time sports fan Charlie was said to be 'in awe' of the venue and excited to play on such a historic ground.
'I just hope we're up to the task,' he joked to the publication at the time.
An insider went on to say 'his eyes really lit up' when he visited the grounds, after he was treated to a private tour prior to playing there.
It was also reported that Charlie visited iconic Melbourne jazz club Bird's Basement to see American saxophonist Tim Ries, at the time the band were playing at the Rod Laver Arena in November 2014.
![Passion: When The Rolling Stones played their Voodoo Lounge tour in March 1995 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (pictured) long-time cricket fan Charlie was said to be 'in awe' of the venue, and excited to play on such a historic ground](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/08/25/13/47083961-9925703-image-a-12_1629894544613.jpg)
Passion: When The Rolling Stones played their Voodoo Lounge tour in March 1995 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (pictured) long-time cricket fan Charlie was said to be 'in awe' of the venue, and excited to play on such a historic ground
Artistic director of Melbourne's International Jazz Festival Michael Tortoni told the publication: 'Charlie would come and see Tim play occasionally. He was quietly spoken, and he loved being in a jazz club.'
During a visit to Perth in the same year, Charlie also treated fans to a surprise show at Ellington Jazz Club - with just dozens of shocked fans witnessing his talents at the tiny city bar.
Ellington co-owner Graham Wood told Perth Now of his impromptu performance: 'He didn’t make a grand entrance or anything, it was all low key.
'He was there really just to enjoy the music, then he got up and played a couple of numbers.'
Charlie joined the then-fledgling Rolling Stones in 1963 after meeting Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones while playing in rhythm and blues clubs.
![Fan: It was also claimed he visited iconic Melbourne jazz club Bird's Basement (pictured) to see saxophonist Tim Ries while playing at the Rod Laver Arena in November 2014](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/08/25/13/47083927-9925703-image-a-2_1629894361517.jpg)
Fan: It was also claimed he visited iconic Melbourne jazz club Bird's Basement (pictured) to see saxophonist Tim Ries while playing at the Rod Laver Arena in November 2014
Along with Jagger and Richards, he featured on every one of the band's studio albums and was widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time.
Charlie was due to tour the US with the band later this year, but it was announced earlier this month he would not feature due to a recent emergency surgery.
His London publicist, Bernard Doherty, said in a statement on Tuesday: 'It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts.
![It was also claimed he visited iconic Melbourne jazz club Bird's Basement, to see saxophonist Tim Ries while playing at the Rod Laver Arena in November 2014.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/08/25/13/47083929-9925703-image-a-1_1629894321568.jpg)
Support: Artistic director of Melbourne's International Jazz Festival Michael Tortoni told the publication: 'Charlie would come and see Tim [Ries, pictured] play occasionally. He was quietly spoken, and he loved being in a jazz club'
'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.
'We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.'
He leaves behind his wife Shirley (nee Shepherd), daughter Seraphina, born in 1968, and granddaughter Charlotte, born in 1996.
![Sad: The death of the London-born drummer was announced on Tuesday - with a statement saying he had 'passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family (Pictured L-R Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards in 2016)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/08/25/13/47083959-9925703-image-a-13_1629894600719.jpg)
Sad: The death of the London-born drummer was announced on Tuesday - with a statement saying he had 'passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family (Pictured L-R Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards in 2016)
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