The Rolling Stones continue to make history. With the release of their new album, Hackney Diamonds, the band rose from the ashes after the devastating death of their legendary drummer, Charlie Watts.

The drummer was still included on the new album, which came out last year, as he had recorded some tracks back in 2019.

It’s been almost three years since Charlie Watts passed away.

The Rolling Stones continued touring with drummer Steve Jordan after his death, but that doesn’t mean they’re over it.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards opened up about how difficult it’s been to tour while missing their beloved bandmate, but they insist they’re not planning on giving up.

Mick Jagger Opened Up About Going On Tour Without Charlie Watts

Mick Jagger spoke very openly when he was asked about what touring has been like ever since Charlie Watts passed away in 2021. The drummer of one of the greatest rock bands in the world was 80 when he died, and had been playing in The Rolling Stones from the very beginning, which means he had known Mick Jagger ever since they were teenagers.

Not having him around anymore has been incredibly hard, and the frontman was not afraid to be vulnerable when he talked about missing his friend and bandmate.

“Of course, it’s hard. I mean, it’s all my life ever since I was 19 or whatever, it’s always been Charlie. Of course, it’s emotional, but you have to get past that in life. I love Charlie and all the things, but I still want to carry on making music.”

The singer went on, revealing that, despite how painful it’s been, they keep going, partly, because that’s what Charlie Watts asked them to do before he died. The drummer had been battling cancer and knew he probably wouldn’t get to play with the band again, but he wanted The Rolling Stones to keep touring.

Now, almost three years later, the band continues to pay tribute to their dear friend and iconic drummer.

How Charlie Watts’ Death Continues To Influence The Band

As tough as it’s been for Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood to continue touring and recording without Charlie Watts, the drummer continues to inspire and influence them. In fact, according to Keith Richards, the fact that they miss him so much, instead of discouraging them, makes them want to continue working together. Through the years, the band has had a lot of internal feuds and almost broke up on a few occasions, but in the end, they’re happier when they get to play together.

“I think with Charlie going, I have realised more and more how special that is. I mean, there is something about the Stones and there is something about us all that sort of says, ‘No, we stick together’,” the guitarist shared. “And then you can’t just drop it. You’ve, you got to follow it right down to the end, down the tunnel.”

“Basically, we love each other and we love our music and when you’re doing it, you don’t really think about it.”

“It was because of Charlie’s demise that we felt that if the Stones were going to continue, then we better make a mark of what the Stones are now,” Keith Richards added.

Charlie Watts’ replacement, Steve Jordan, might not have the history with the rest of the band that Charlie had, but the legendary drummer had picked him as his replacement himself, so we know he’s the right choice.