The Serene Face Of Charlie Watts

The Serene Face of Charlie Watts

In the 60’s and 70’s, I was never much of a Rolling Stones fan. I couldn’t get no satisfaction! I didn’t memorize their songs and wasn’t even familiar with the names other than Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. I had not seen them perform, and yet their music was familiar to me.

When I saw the movie, The Rolling Stones: Sweet Summer Sun – Hyde Park Live the other night, it played to a sold out crowd in San Rafael. The audience was so lively that we could have been standing with the hundreds of thousands of people in Hyde Park.

Naturally, the music was great. My friend, Julie, a natural born singer, said that she thinks that Mick Jagger is the best front man ever! He was dancing from side to side and down the long runway into the audience. Still skinny as a rail, his energy at the age of 70 matches many performers in their 20’s and 30’s. His enthusiasm for life is apparent.

Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood looked older than Mick Jagger. They took the spotlight on many occasions in the movie and I really enjoyed their shenanigans. At one point, I though Keith look rather glum, but it was at the beginning of the concert.

I found myself constantly looking for the serene face of Charlie Watts throughout the whole movie. He seemed to be the most settled and content of the group and his percussion performance was magnificent. He played with such confidence that I was sure of his high level of concentration. Mick pointed out his role in keeping the group on queue. To me, he represented the true face of happiness.

These two videos give you a taste of what I experienced. Watch the movie if it comes within 50 miles of your home. You won’t regret it.

Preparing to return to Hyde Park

Movie Preview – The Rolling Stones: Sweet Summer Sun – Hyde Park Live

In case you are wondering why I am sharing this with you, it is because I’m wondering what kind of spiritual practice he engaged in to achieve such serenity in the presence of chaotic rock-and-roll music. Perhaps it is just his shy nature.

My recent post on How To Find Joy And Happiness may have triggered my interest in watching for snippets of the drummer while watching the movie.

Did you watch The Rolling Stones: Sweet Summer Sun – Hyde Park Live? What did you think? Who did you like the best?