The Rolling Stones 'miss drummer Charlie Watts’s funeral because of COVID-19 restrictions'

14 September 2021, 11:33 | Updated: 13 September 2023, 14:52

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood couldn't get to Devon from Boston where they're rehearsing.

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.

Because of travel and quarantine restrictions relating to the ongoing global pandemic, they were unable to travel to Devon for Watts's small, private ceremony.

Charlie Watts: Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards lead star-studded tributes after Rolling Stones drummer dies aged 80

Instead, the band will mark Watts's passing with a special celebration of his life later in the year when they're back in the UK.

They will also continue to pay tribute to him at their upcoming live shows.

Weeks before Watts's death at the age of 80, it had been announced that he would not be joining them on their upcoming live dates, the long-delayed continuation of the No Filter tour.

The Rolling Stones - Midnight Rambler (Live) - OFFICIAL

Read more: Remembering when Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts had the ultimate drummer's revenge on Mick Jagger

"For once my timing has been a little off," Watts said at the time with his trademark wit.

"I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of experts that this will take a while."

He gave his blessing to his replacement, adding: "I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me."