At the height of their fame, the Rolling Stones were known for their shabby style, colourful clothing, tight trousers and all round scruffiness.
Setting trends across the world, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood became as known for the way they dressed as for their music, with millions copying their dishevelled looks and sporting tight jeans, open collar shirts and messy mullets - as London's fashion set and beyond dropped the rigid style rules of the 1950s for a decade of hedonism, mini skirts, and platform heels.
But drummer Charlie Watts, who died yesterday aged 80, famously never succumbed to the ragged style that's so associated with his bandmates - and owned more than 200 suits.
Often pictured in a sharp three-piece suit and tie, even when on stage, Charlie always looked cool and collected despite the chaos of the Swinging Sixties.
His style is that of a 'quintessential English gentlemen' according to celebrity stylist Rochelle White, who today praised him for not wearing head-to-toe designer like many rock stars. Despite his fame and fortune, Charlie kept a humble wardrobe with a 'few Prada raincoats' and items from Ralph Lauren complementing mostly unknown designers.
GQ - generally regarded as the bible for men's fashion - dubbed Charlie the 'most stylish stone' in 2012.
At the height of their fame, the Rolling Stones were known for their shabby style, colourful clothing, tight trousers and all round scruffiness. He is pictured in 1964
Drummer Charlie Watts, who died yesterday aged 80, famously never succumbed to the ragged style that's so associated with the rock legends - and owned more than 200 suits. He is pictured in 1975
Often pictured in a sharp three-piece suit and tie, even when on stage, Charlie always looked cool and collected despite the chaos of the Swingin' Sixties. Pictured in 1996
His style is that of a 'quintessential English gentlemen' according to celebrity stylist Rochelle White, who today praised him for not wearing head-to-toe designer like many rock stars. Despite his fame and fortune, Charlie kept a humble wardrobe with a 'few Prada raincoats' and items from Ralph Lauren complementing mostly unknown designers. He is pictured in 2004
GQ - generally regarded as the bible for men's fashion - dubbed Charlie the 'most stylish stone' in 2012. He is pictured in 2011, aged 70
'Charlie Watts' style has been the quintessential English gentleman from his rock and roll days through to his death,' Rochelle told FEMAIL.
'His early life was rooted in jazz music and that scene inspired his look and how he dressed his whole life.
'He had an effortless way and dressing and also had this way of looking cool and collected in everything he chose to wear.
'Looking back on his style he always wore well tailored suits, shirts and trousers.
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'Charlie was known for having his suits made, as he had two tailors based in London.
'He had a thing for brogues and notched lapels on double breasted suits.
'He never really wore designers compared to most celebrities, and he would sometimes opt for a three piece suit and tailoring when he was travelling with his band.
'You could see his style in the suits that he wore, with thick and thin pinstripes and even pastel colours.
Setting trends across the world, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood became as known for the way they dressed as much as their music, with millions copying their dishevelled looks and sporting tight jeans, open collar shirts and messy mullets - as London's fashion set and beyond dropped the rigid style rules of the 1950s for a decade of hedonism, mini skirts, and platform heels. Left to right:Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman
Charlie Watts' style has been the quintessential English gentleman from his rock and roll days through to his death, according to a celebrity stylist. Charlie is pictured in 2007
Charlie, pictured in 1966, even sported a suit while on stage, while his bandmates succumbed to the messy looks trendy in the sixities
Dressed in his best! Charlie, pictured at Royal Ascot in 2010, was never far away from a suit and owned more than 200 across his homes
Pictures show the London-born drummer's commitment to his sharp style from an early age - with one photo of him at just two years old showing he already had sartorial prowess.
The photo, taken in 1943, which was featured as part of childhood photos & memorabilia of the Rolling Stones ahead of their 'Exhibitionism' at London's Saatchi Gallery, showed him with his Lillian and father Charles in Piccadilly Circus.
Sporting a beret, double breasted jacket, and shining shoes - it's no surprise he grew up to be a style icon.
Discussing his own style in 2012, Charlie, then 71, said he had a 'very old-fashioned' and 'traditional mode of dress'.
'I get embarrassed, and I don't really like going to photo shoots. I don't like stylists. If you were Fred Astaire, you wore something and you had it on all day. It wasn't just put on you, which is what a stylist does. So I always felt totally out of place with the Rolling Stones,' he told GQ.
'Not as a person—they never made me feel like that. I just mean the way I looked. Photos of the band would come back—I'll have a pair of shoes on and they've got trainers. I hate trainers, even if they're fashionable. I mean, I like fashion, because it pushes it and bends it around, but it takes a long while to get to this point—if you're that interested in being at this point, where you understand what works for you. And so while I love fashion—I go to all the shops regularly, wherever I am—I have to adapt it to myself, but nothing fits me cause I'm too small, so I'll look at the clothes, then go back and try to adapt them. And as I've gotten older, there are particular things I like and don't like—little things'.
Pictures show the London-born drummer's commitment to his sharp style from an early age - with one photo of him at just two years old showing he already had sartorial prowess. The photo, taken in 1943, which was featured as part of childhood photos & memorabilia of the Rolling Stones ahead of their 'Exhibitionism' at London's Saatchi Gallery, showed him with his Lillian and father Charles in Piccadilly Circus. Sporting a beret, double breasted jacket, and shining shoes - it's no surprise he grew up to be a style icon.
Poised and perfected:Unlike his bandmates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the legendary drummer managed to stay out of the tabloids but throughout his life was pictured looking suave on hundreds of occasions. He is pictured in 1986
Unlike his bandmates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the legendary drummer managed to stay out of the tabloids but throughout his life was pictured looking suave on hundreds of occasions.
'I've never been interested in doing interviews or being seen,' he told NME. 'I love it and I do interviews because I want people to come and see the band. The Rolling Stones exist because people come to the shows...'
The death of the London-born drummer was announced on Tuesday - with a statement saying he had 'passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family'.
Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards lead an outpouring of grief following the news, with Ronnie, 74, sharing a picture of the pair with the caption: 'I love you my fellow Gemini ~ I will dearly miss you ~you are the best'.
Rolling Stones frontman Mick, 78, shared a poignant photo of a smiling Charlie on both Twitter and Instagram, without a caption, while guitarist Keith, 77, posted a Twitter photo of the Rolling Stones' drum kit with a 'closed' sign hanging from it.
FAQs
What drugs did the Rolling Stones do? ›
Stones guitarist Keith Richards and other members of the Rolling Stones and their entourage got heavily into heroin use while they lived in Provence, France.
What did Ed Sullivan think of the Rolling Stones? ›Following The Stones' first performance, Ed supposedly declared, “I promise you they'll never be back on our show. It took me 17 years to build this show and I'm not going to have it destroyed in a matter of weeks.” He had had enough of how worked up the crowds had become, and he thought the band was unkempt.
Who dressed the Rolling Stones? ›A new book by Mr Lance Richardson explores the life and times of rebel Savile Row tailor Mr Tommy Nutter. House Of Nutter by Mr Lance Richardson tells the story of Mr Tommy Nutter, the Savile Row tailor whose work in the 1970s and 1980s changed the way men dress.
Are any of the Rolling Stones sober? ›Wood's been sober for over a decade now, so his sobriety doesn't come as much of a surprise. What is surprising though is that Richards is also now sober. And that's a milestone nobody would have ever predicted. Okay, so the Stones' lead six-slinger still takes the occasional beer or glass of wine.
Do the Rolling Stones still smoke cigarettes? ›The Rolling Stones guitarist, 78, told CBS Sunday Morning in a new interview that after 55 years, he quietly put down his cigarettes two years ago with the help of nicotine patches.
What did Ed Sullivan always say? ›So, it was no lie when Ed Sullivan would start off nearly every broadcast by telling the audience, "We have a really big show tonight." It really was huge. Oh, and his slightly awkward pronunciation of the word "show"—which sounded a whole lot like "shew"—made it all the more charming.
What did paul McCartney say about The Rolling Stones? ›He went on to praise The Rolling Stones, speaking about how great they are & how much he loves them. "There's a lot of differences, but I love the Stones. But I'm with you, The Beatles were better."
What did John Lennon say about The Rolling Stones? ›"[John Lennon] said something in your magazine. It wasn't to do with appearance, more with music. When asked about the Rolling Stones, he said, 'I like the butch stuff, and I don't like the f*ggy stuff'.
Did any of the Rolling Stones go to Charlie Watts funeral? ›The Rolling Stones were reportedly unable to attend the funeral of their bandmate, drummer Charlie Watts, because of COVID-19 restrictions. Singer Mick Jagger and guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are in Boston, Massachusetts, rehearsing for the band's upcoming tour, The Sun reports.
What is Keith Richards favorite food? ›Keith Richards, shepherd's pie. Keith Richards's love of a shepherd's pie goes back decades, to his granddad Gus, but in more recent years it became a key part of his daily life on tour.
What is Emily Blunts diet? ›
Due to Emily's fast calorie-burning exercises, she began eating healthily and in moderation. Her diet was concentrated around carbohydrate-filled breakfasts, grain proteins and probiotics for lunch and dinner.
Why were The Rolling Stones so skinny? ›There is only one fitness fanatic in the band – the singer – but every Rolling Stone is lean, hungry, without a gram of excess fat. Three of them – Jagger, 75, Richards, 74, and Watts, 77 – were born during the deprivations of the Second World War.
Did any of The Rolling Stones go to jail? ›Both Jagger and Richards were imprisoned at that point: Jagger was taken to Brixton Prison in south London, and Richards to Wormwood Scrubs Prison in west London. Fraser received a year and did not appeal. Both were released on bail the next day pending appeal.
Who did The Rolling Stones lips logo? ›On the 50th anniversary of his famous “tongue and lips” emblem for the Rolling Stones, John Pasche says he had no expectations it would become so famous, or lucrative.
Is Keith Richards a drinker? ›Just like the other stuff.” After decades of drinking as if he were still in his 20s, Richards “pulled the plug on it” because he “got fed up with it.” Infamous for performing drunk onstage in the past, Richards admitted that it was an interesting experience to play in front of a crowd without being some form of ...
Where was The Rolling Stones banned? ›Formed in London as an alliance between Jagger, Richards, and multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones along with Watts and bassist Wyman, the Stones began as a grubby conclave of students and bohemians playing a then esoteric music based on Chicago blues in pubs and clubs in and around West London.
How is Mick Jagger health? ›The heart of rock and roll is still beating: Mick Jagger – lead man of the Rolling Stones – has successfully undergone non-invasive heart valve replacement surgery and is recovering in great health. In fact, the 75-year-old musician expects to return to the tour stage this summer.
What was Ed Sullivan famous line? ›“My little Chickadees… QUIET!” – Ed Sullivan's May 2, 1965 outburst after being interrupted by screaming Rolling Stones fans when he tried to talk about the next week's show.
What did Ed Sullivan call the Beatles? ›Unaware of the delay, Ed was about to introduce them. Moffitt recalls… “Ed is saying 'And now, here are—(a beat)—The Beatles right after this. ' And he went to a commercial.
Who never performed on The Ed Sullivan Show? ›That appearance never happened. On May 12, 1963, the young and unknown Bob Dylan walked off the set of the country's highest-rated variety show after network censors rejected the song he planned on performing.
Who were better musicians Beatles or Stones? ›
The Rolling Stones as the Better Band
The Rolling Stones evolved into a full-fledged rock band as their sound evolved both before, and after the Beatles broke up. While the Beatles maintained the shorter career span, the Rolling Stones were certainly the more prolific of the two bands.
“The Rolling Stones are truly the greatest rock and roll band in the world and always will be,” Dylan once famously said of his contemporaries. “The last too,” he added. “Everything that came after them, metal, rap, punk, new wave, pop-rock, you name it… you can trace it all back to the Rolling Stones.
Are Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger friends? ›“We went through some pretty strange times,” Mick Jagger shared while inducting the Beatles into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. “We had a sort of — a lot of rivalry in those early years, and a little bit of friction, but we always ended up friends.
Did Eric Clapton and John Lennon get along? ›Lennon and Clapton's friendship was well-known and the duo were always only a few degrees of separation away from creating their own band.
Did John Lennon and Ringo get along? ›Ringo Starr and John Lennon held a strong bond that was never in doubt and, following the split of The Fab Four, the success that Starr had in his solo career made Lennon immensely happy.
Why didn t Stones attend Charlie Watts funeral? ›Due to Covid protocols, the Stones were unable to attend Watts' funeral in early-September 2021. Watts was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Devon.
Why didn t The Rolling Stones go to Charlie Watts funeral? ›Watts, who joined the Stones in 1963, was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Devon. Surviving Stones Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, and the rest of their touring band who are rehearsing in Boston, were unable to make the cross-Atlantic journey due to the spike in the delta variant.
How much was Charlie Watts worth out of The Rolling Stones? ›Charlie Watts – US$250 million
At the time of his death, Watts' fortune was estimated to be around US$250 million, mostly through his ownership of shares in the corporate entities of The Rolling Stones, per Celebrity Net Worth. He was also a horseman behind the stage.
These days, he eats mainly pasta, chicken, wholegrain bread, potatoes, rice, beans and fish -organic whenever possible. And loads of avocados. He claims that they have regenerative qualities. He says that he eats large portions and puts his slim physique down to his exercise and careful diet.
What kind of car does Keith Richards Drive? ›Ferrari Dino 246GT Owned By Keith Richards
He's got some crazy car stories we encourage you to check out from a prior article, and his taste is pretty eclectic. One example is the Dino he owned until 1986m and has exchanged hands a few times since.
Did Keith Richards like the Beatles? ›
The band's frontman Mick Jagger also recalls how Keith Richards first became “obsessed” with The Beatles and claims that the band reinvented the music scene and changed the expectations for new artists. “The Beatles suddenly explode and there you are going: 'Oh, yeah, but we're a blues band!
What was Grace Kelly's diet? ›Grace ate fish and meat only rarely, with most of her diet consisting of whole grains and vegetables.
What is Halle Berry's diet? ›DIET: Intermittent Fasting And Keto
One of a number of celebrities who do intermittent fasting, Berry has found great success with the time-restricted style of eating. She also combines it with the popular high-fat, moderate-protein keto diet, which she does to manage her type two diabetes.
"Usually I try to do a lean protein, a vegetable, and a complex carb," she explains. "It's very simple, we don't get real fancy at the house because we eat real healthy." Tamra basically sticks to three meals per day, and not much in between. "I'm not a big snacker," she says.
Who was the biggest influence on the Rolling Stones? ›Blues pioneers such as Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Big Bill Broonzy, and Robert Johnson had a huge impact on the young Rolling Stones, influencing Richards' guitar licks and Mick Jagger's vocals and songwriting.
Does Mick Jagger do ballet? ›Mick Jagger is an experienced ballet dancer with years of lessons under his belt. No wonder this guy just glides across stages.
What band was the Rolling Stones rival? ›The greatest rivalry in rock has come to a shuddering halt. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have reportedly buried the hatchet after 60 years of feuding to make new music together. According to Variety, Paul McCartney has recorded bass parts for a forthcoming Rolling Stones album.
Can the Rolling Stones still play? ›Roll with the Stones in 2023!
The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World is back in 2023, and Rolling Stones fans won't want to miss out on the fun! The band is back and ready to strut their stuff on stages to celebrate six decades of music. Including one near you!
Brian Jones announced his departure from the Rolling Stones on June 9, 1969 with a statement that read: “I no longer see eye-to-eye with the others over the discs we are cutting. …
Do the Rolling Stones lip sync? ›But no, they don't. Many use backing tracks and lip-sync their performances. But the Rolling Stones went old school.
What is the Rolling Stones tongue called? ›
The musician gave Pasche his instructions and had the job done in just a fortnight. The Rolling Stones logo, which has been referred to as “Tongue and Lips” or just “Hot Lips,” first appeared on 1971's Sticky Fingers LP. It became an icon immediately, so the Rolling Stones have never changed it.
Who is the best Rolling Stones tribute band? ›GENRE. “Satisfaction” is the international touring tribute to the World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band, The Rolling Stones.
Did The Rolling Stones do acid? ›“The whole thing, we were on acid,” Jagger told Rolling Stone in 1995. “We were on acid doing the cover picture. I always remember doing that. It was like being at school, you know, sticking on the bits of coloured paper and things.
Is The Rolling Stones a drug reference? ›For the most part of The Rolling Stones' career, drugs were inextricably linked to the band and became part of their image. Additionally, it was a societal taboo they were willing to break down through songwriting, and on multiple occasions, the band wrote about narcotics.
What drugs were taken at Altamont concerts? ›As they got more and more drunk, concert goers were also getting hammered on booze, methamphetamines, and LSD.
Why did the Rolling Stones use a tongue? ›For the logo, Jagger had suggested the tongue of the Hindu goddess Kali. Pasche said at the time, "The design concept for the tongue was to represent the band's anti-authoritarian attitude, Mick's mouth, and the obvious sexual connotations.
What drug is mothers helper? ›The gendered cultural meanings of diazepam (Valium®), a well-known benzodiazepine, was cemented in the 1966 Rolling Stones' song “Mother's little helper”. Benzodiazepines are recommended for the short-term treatment of anxiety and insomnia (Baldwin et al., 2013).
Why did they name it Rolling Stones? ›The Rolling Stones came into being in 1962 when former schoolmates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met Brian Jones, who was playing with Alexis Korner's band Blues Incorporated. Brian named their new group after the title of the Muddy Waters song " Rollin' Stone".
Were the Hells Angels security for The Rolling Stones? ›Security. By some accounts, the Hells Angels were hired as security by the management of the Rolling Stones, on the recommendation of the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane (who both had previously used the Angels for security at performances without incident), for $500 worth of beer.
What concert was bigger than Woodstock? ›The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, the Grand Prix racetrack in New York state, took place on July 28, 1973. It was attended by a mind-boggling (and record-breaking) total of 600,000 people, who enjoyed hours and hours of music provided by just three acts, the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, and The Band.
What drugs were Metallica on? ›
“We discovered cocaine years before, but we brought it to new heights on that tour,” Hammett says. “We've always dialled it back while we've had responsibilities writing, rehearsing and recording an album. The way we work is every day for 15 hours a day. There's no time for that sort of thing!”