“Charlie Watts Tribute Concert Announced at Wembley — Stones to Honor Late Drummer with All‑Star Lineup”
LONDON — In a moving homage to their late drummer, the Rolling Stones have officially announced a Charlie Watts Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium, scheduled for September 20, 2025. Organisers and band members confirm this one-night-only event will bring together a star-studded lineup of musicians who played alongside—or were inspired by—the iconic drummer, who passed away in August 2021 at age 80 .
The concert, set to open with a documentary-style video featuring Watts’ personal reflections and archival footage, will transition into a live performance celebration. Confirmed participating artists include Steve Jordan (Watts’ touring stand-in since 2021) on drums, Rolling Stones guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, and a host of guest musicians from jazz, blues, and rock backgrounds. Among the notable names: Bill Wyman, who replaced Watts as bassist when necessary in past tributes; jazz pianist Ben Waters, who previously performed with Watts; saxophonist Tim Ries; and soulful vocalists Lisa Fischer and Bernard Fowler, all of whom shared the stage with the Stones during earlier intimate tributes
Mick Jagger commented, “Wembley has always been a special place for Charlie. We wanted to honour him in the grandest way, surrounded by the music and people he loved.” It marks the first major public celebration of Watts’ legacy since the Stones premiered a private tribute at a London club in 2021 .
Watts, a classically trained artist and jazz aficionado, joined the Rolling Stones in 1963 and remained their rock-solid heartbeat, appearing on every studio album until his death . Despite one-on-one moments with acoustic jazz sets or the Charlie Watts Quintet, this Wembley event is poised to be the most expansive musical celebration of his life and influence yet.
Tickets, expected to sell rapidly, will go on sale July 5. Proceeds will benefit the Charlie Watts Foundation for Young Musicians, an initiative Watts launched in private during his final years to support jazz education and emerging talent in the UK.
Music journalist Alice Thompson of The Guardian describes the concert as a “fitting, full-circle celebration of a man whose understated precision and timeless style held together rock’s most legendary band.” Fans and critics alike anticipate a night of emotional performances, heartfelt tributes, and unforgettable sets in honour of a true rock legend.
