The Rolling Stones' surviving members have heartfelt ways to include Charlie Watts in their upcoming album.
After 18 years of waiting, The Rolling Stones are finally dropping an original album, which also includes their late bandmate. The drummer died on August 24, 2021, at a London hospital even after undergoing a successful medical procedure. His representatives did not disclose his cause of death, but his bandmates soon revealed he had previously battled cancer.
How Charlie Watts Became Part of The Rolling Stones After His Death
On Wednesday, The Rolling Stones held a special live event with Jimmy Fallon at the Hackney Empire in London.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood officially delivered good news to fans, saying the upcoming "Hackney Diamonds" album will arrive on October 20. It follows Jagger-Richards' last original project, "A Bigger Band," in 2005 and "Blue & Lonesome" in 2016.
As reported by Daily Mail, The Rolling Stones confirmed that the late drummer will be featured on two tracks of the album.
"Ever since Charlie's gone, it's different - he's number four, he's missing," Richards said. "Of course he's missed, incredibly. But thanks to Charlie Watts we have Steve Jordan - his recommendation, that if anything should happen to him, he's your man."
The songs in question are "Live By The Sword" and "Mess It Up."
Regarding the 18-year wait, the band reportedly set a deadline, which helped them to do it pretty quickly. Jagger added that Watts "kicked us up the a**" to finally complete the record.
READ ALSO: The Rolling Stones Drop Major Hint About New Song: Title Revealed?
How Did Charlie Watts Die?
The Rolling Stones and Watts' representative confirmed the drummer's death in a statement, disclosing that he underwent a medical procedure before his passing. He previously received treatments after learning about his throat cancer diagnosis in 2004.
Watts reportedly passed away "peacefully" while his family surrounded him.
Prior to his death, the drummer was not able to join the band's "No Filter" tour in the U.S. and did not appear in any concert after an August 30, 2019, show. He last appeared with his bandmates in the "One World Together" all-star livestream in April 2020.
Following his death, The Rolling Stones filled his spot to continue Watts and the band's legacy.
READ MORE: Mick Jagger 'Frail' While Leaving 80th Birthday Party, Fans Concerned About His Health
