Charlie Watts is my fave Stone and one of my fave drummers. Yeah, I was sad when he passed away, but the man lived a good long life. So when this book became available, I wanted to read about the most private member of the Rolling Stones in Charlie’s Good Night by Paul Sexton.
Title: Charlie’s Good Tonight
Series: N/A
Author: Paul Sexton
Genre: Non-Fiction, Autobiography, Memoir
Length: 368 pages
Release Date: October 11, 2022
The fully authorized and official biography of legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, one of the world’s most revered and celebrated musicians of the last half century.
Blurb: Charlie Watts was one of the most decorated musicians in the world, having joined the Rolling Stones, a few months after their formation, early in 1963.
A student of jazz drumming, he was headhunted by the band after bumping into them regularly in London’s rhythm and blues clubs. Once installed at the drum seat, he didn’t miss a gig, album or tour in his 60 years in the band. He was there throughout the swinging sixties, the early shot at superstardom and the Stones’ world conquest; and throughout the debauchery of the 1970s, typified by 1972’s Exile on Main St., considered one of the great albums of the century. By the 1980s, Charlie was battling his own demons, but emerged unscathed to enhance his unparalleled reputation even further over the ensuing decades.
Watts went through band bust-ups, bereavements and changes in personnel, managers, guitarists and rhythm sections, but remained the rock at the heart of the Rolling Stones for nearly 60 years—the thoughtful, intellectual but no less compelling counterpoint to the raucousness of his bandmates Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood. And this is his story.
Available at:
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I enjoy rock ‘n’ roll memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies, and being a casual Rolling Stones fan, and since Mr. Watts is my fave Stone, when his book became available, I made sure to purchase it. I always wondered about the mysteries, ultra-private Stone who shunned the spotlight.
First, this is an authorized biography, and the author did extensive interviews with those closest to Charlie, including former Stone Billy Wyman, along with Charlie’s daughter and granddaughter. I found the biography read more like a eulogy, which I did not mind at all. While reading, I felt as if I was attending the luncheon held after the funeral, when everyone was standing around, reminiscing about the man they respected and loved.
They shared many stories, from Charlie’s favourite collections (historical pieces to art) to his kindness and generosity.
The author opens with Charlie’s place of birth and ends the final chapter of Charlie’s passing.
It was great to learn more about this man. Even with those closest to him, they stressed he enjoyed talking, but never confided too much about himself. He was one of those people who kept everything close to the chest.
There are funny stories. Poignant stories. Interesting stories. I especially enjoyed hearing about the making of many of the Stones’ albums, along with Charlie’s contributions to them, and his recording process. I guess those appealed to me because I’m such a music nerd. Yeah, I’m the person who reads the liner notes LOL.
If you’re looking for gossip and wild stories, you won’t find those here. Instead, the author focuses on the camaraderie shared between the Stones, which I really enjoyed. It let me get to know the band members on an intimate level, of what they hide behind the rock ‘n’ roll façade they present to fans. I especially found the intimacy between Mick and Charlie a very enjoyable read.
It’s a wonderful look into rock ‘n’ roll’s iconic drummer for an iconic band. Do yourself a favour and get a copy.
Maggie Blackbird 