The Rolling Stones dedicate their first 2021 show to late drummer Charlie Watts

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The Rolling Stones perform show in honour of late drummer Charlie Watts, as they head off on their first tour without him in 59 years

Mick Jagger onstage
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

The Rolling Stones played their first show of the year on Monday (September 20) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, USA. The performance was held as part of a private party hosted by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and saw the veteran rockers dedicating the show to their late drummer Charlie Watts.

The evening was the first time Mick Jagger and co. had performed since Watts' death last month, serving as a "poignant" night for the band. During the concert, Jagger told the audience, "This is our first show of our 2021 tour, so this is it, it’s a try out, it’s the debut night for us.

"I must also say, it’s a bit of a poignant night for us because it’s the first tour we’ve done in 59 years without our lovely Charlie Watts. We all miss Charlie so much. We miss him as a band, we miss him as friends on and off the stage.

"We’ve got so many memories of Charlie and I’m sure some of you who have seen us before have memories of Charlie as well. I hope you will remember him like we do. We’d like to dedicate this show to Charlie".

Following Jagger's speech, the rocker made a toast to the late drummer, encouraging the audience to chant Watts' name before he took a sip of beer. Guitarist Ronnie Wood then declared, "Charlie, we're praying for you and playing for you."

Taking on drum duties in place of Watts was session musician Steve Jordan. Jordan has worked with the band since the 1980s, and was the temporary replacement for Watts prior to his death when it was announced that Watts would not join the Stones for the beginning of their US tour as he needed to recuperate from a medical procedure.

Playing for an invite-only crowd of 300 people, The Rolling Stones performed a variety of classic hits, opening with Let's Spend The Night Together. The group went on to play tunes such as You Can't Always Get What You Want, Under My Thumb, Gimme Shelter, Miss You, Jumpin' Jack Flash and more.

The Rolling Stones will be heading off on a run of 13 dates across the US from September 26, kicking off in St. Louis.

Watch Mick Jagger's speech below.

Liz Scarlett
Liz Scarlett

Liz works on keeping the Louder sites up to date with the latest news from the world of rock and metal. Prior to joining Louder as a full time staff writer, she completed a Diploma with the National Council for the Training of Journalists and received a First Class Honours Degree in Popular Music Journalism. She enjoys writing about anything from neo-glam rock to stoner, doom and progressive metal, and loves celebrating women in music.