The Rolling Stones will reportedly alter their logo for their upcoming US tour in honour of Charlie Watts.
It has been reported that the group’s iconic tongue band logo will be changed from red to black. This alteration is said to be in tribute to the group’s drummer Charlie Watts who tragically passed away last month. The “Paint It Black” performers will feature the new logo on band merchandise sold on their US No Filter tour, as well as on large screens used during their performances. The band will also pay tribute to their bandmate by using archived footage used within montages, the footage will be used throughout their tour which starts on 26th September 2021.
A source has spoken with the Bizarre column from the Sun Newspaper concerning the surviving member’s plans to honour Watts. “They don’t want it to be a concert that is a downer because they know fans have paid good money to see them. But it feels only right that they reference Charlie’s passing because he was such a vital part of the band and it will be strange for them all to not have him there. They think the plans make for a fitting tribute.”
The tragic news of Watts’ passing was announced last month and has left the rock n roll community deeply saddened by the great loss. The acclaimed drummer passed away at the age of 80 on 24th August 2021, since his passing countless tributes have poured in expressing grief whilst celebrating his great talent and influence. Watts’ publicist Bernard Doherty released this statement to announce his death. “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. 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.”
It has been reported that Watts’ fellow bandmates could not attend the funeral due to travel restrictions caused by COVID-19. Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were in Boston for rehearsals in preparation for their US tour and consequently were not allowed to return to the UK to pay their respects to their friend in person. However, an insider also told The Sun that the group are planning a celebration to honour Watts’ life when back in the UK.
It was also announced that plans were in place to honour Watts at this weekend’s Isle of Wright Festival. John Giddings, the festival’s boss, had confirmed that they aimed to pay tribute to the late great drummer. It was stated over the weekend that a photo of Watts was to be projected upon the main stage. It was on this same stage that Watts and the stones performed their legendary set in 2007, within the now infamous performance they were joined by fellow British icon Amy Winehouse. Giddings had this to say concerning the festival’s plan to pay tribute to Watts. “We have been talking about doing something. I mean it’s just so sad…he was such a great bloke. I am not sure it’s the Rolling Stones without him but they will continue on for the rest of their lives. I mean they are the best rock band in the world bar none. They get better every time I see them.”
