I Unboxed Charlie’s First Drum Kit and Other Stories from The Watts Collection It’s hard to know what to say at a time like this. Most people will mention Charlie Watt’s contribution to the world of rock drumming—which, of course, is truly significant. However, I think it’s also important to look at the non-celebrity side of Charlie. When I first met Charlie, he was passing through Chicago with the Stones, and he visited my shop. He loved vintage drums, and he especially loved drums owned by drummers he admired. On that day, and for many years to follow, I sold him sets, snares, and cymbals owned by Big Sid Catlett, Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey, Sonny Greer, Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, Louie Bellson, Billy Gladstone, and many more. All of the photos here are of items that Charlie acquired from me. I also had the pleasure of organizing and appraising his […]

October 2021 Issue