Charlie Watts Tribute – Lancaster Roots & Blues

Charlie Watts Tribute details.

Charlie Watts, the drummer from the Rolling Stones for over 50 years, passed away August 24. Anyone who grew up listening to blues based Rock n’ Roll knows the Stones and probably likes them. The Rolling Stones are the definition of Roots and Blues. Charlie was the consummate musician and the true back bone of arguably the greatest rock band of all time. (I know, I hear you Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Queen Fans, that’s why I wrote arguably!)

When we heard the news about Charlie’s passing in the Lancaster Roots and Blues office we knew we had to do something to commemorate Charlie. I immediately reached out to old friend and bass playing pro Mike Bitts who I first met at Chameleon Club in 1985 when he was in a new band, The Innocence Mission who went on to sign with A&M Records. Since then Mike has played for many great projects in the area. It seems every town has at least one musician like Mike and he’s ours.

I tasked Mr. Bitts with forming a core band that will play a set of Rolling Stone songs to honor Charlie Watts. The band will also bring in guest musicians to round out the experience. If you want to get in on the fun, add the Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Inn, 3 pm Sunday, Oct. 17 to your list of bands to see at this year’s Lancaster Roots and Blues.

Here is the band:

Chad Kinsey
Mike Giblin
Mark Burke
Steve Sauer
Mike Bitts
Paul Murr
Dan Zdilla
Jessica Smucker
Steve Patterson
J.c. Fetlock

Rich