When I heard the news about the passing of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, I immediately thought about how I was always amused at Charlie's laid back attitude while Mick, Keith and Ronnie acted like teenagers doing an impression of gregarious rock stars. Mick Jagger is the perhaps the greatest frontman ever. He basically defined what it means to be a rock and roll frontman. Keith Richards is the embodiment of the sex/drugs/rock'n roll attitude.
Meanwhile, Charlie and his rhythm section partner, bassist Bill Wyman (who left the band around 1993) looked like they just left their jobs at the DMV to play with the band. Charlie's wry smile gave us the impression that he was always saying "Yeah, I know these guys are nuts, but I'm just here to play the drums."
Check out these videos, two of my favorites, because they illustrate the Stones' various personalities so well. In the "Waiting on a Friend" video, Mick, Keith and Ronnie dance and cavort while Bill and Charlie seemingly chuckle at their antics. In the "Start Me Up" video Mick does his trademark prance and Charlie flashes us that smile. (photo: Getty Images. Video: YouTube)