Rolling Stones Open U.S. Tour with Heart‑Warming Tribute to Charlie Watts
On Sunday, September 26, the UK rock legends kicked off the U.S. section of their No Filter tour, and the first thing on stage was a heartfelt homage to the late drummer Charlie Watts.
The Big Screen Tribute
The stadium in St. Louis projected a montage of Watts’ best moments—studio shots, live gigs, and backstage smiles—while fans 60,000 strong shouted, “Charlie, Charlie!” in unison. The visuals were paired with a thunderous drum‑solo piece that reminded everyone of the rhythm giant’s infectious energy.
Live Begins with a Bang
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood padded onto the stage for the opening jam, “Street Fighting Man.” Jagger paused for a moment, holding the hand of Richards, and shared a candid reflection:
- “It was really emotional seeing those pictures of Charlie on the screen. This is the first tour we’ve ever done without him.”
- He thanked the crowd for the flood of messages and tributes, calling them “really touching.”
- “We all miss Charlie so much both on and off the stage.”
No Black Stoned Logo, No Funeral Notes
Contrary to earlier rumours, the band didn’t use a black‑tinted Stones logo to mark the loss. Instead, they chose to let the memories speak for themselves, with the big screen doing all the heavy lifting.
Marking the Gap – Steve Jordan Steps In
The performance didn’t stop at the tribute. Steve Jordan took the drum throne, filling in for the no‑longer‑present Watts, who had recently succumbed in London after surgery. Jordan had been announced as a temporary stand‑in earlier in August, a role that was initially expected to be temporary until Watts could recover.
Tour Timeline and Future Plans
The No Filter tour, delayed by the pandemic, consists of 13 dates and finishes in November. Jagger, who is 78 and had a heart operation in 2019, revealed his uncertain stance on the band’s future:
- “I’ve been asked that question since I was 31.”
- “I don’t know. Anything could happen. If next year’s vibe is right, we’ll keep rocking.”
- He’s currently focusing on the present tour.
