5 Surprising Ways Mick Fleetwood And Charlie Watts Redefined Rock Drums

From the heartbeat of rock and roll, Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac and Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones have not only been pivotal in shaping their bands' sounds but have also set benchmarks for drummers worldwide. Here are five surprising ways these legendary drummers redefined rock drums:

The Minimalist Approach to Drumming 🎶

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Both Fleetwood and Watts were known for their less-is-more philosophy. Unlike many drummers who filled every gap with intricate fills, they used:

• Space: By creating a sense of space in their drumming, they allowed other instruments to breathe, resulting in a more dynamic sound.
• Simplicity: Their playing style emphasized groove and feel over flashy techniques, making the drums the backbone of their band's sound.

Mick Fleetwood often focused on the groove, as heard in songs like "Go Your Own Way," where the drums provide a steady, almost tribal beat. Fleetwood would sometimes play with a simple backbeat, enhancing the song's vibe without overshadowing it.

Charlie Watts brought an understated elegance to rock drumming. His work on "Sympathy for the Devil" showcases how the use of space can create an ominous, haunting rhythm.

<p class="pro-note">🎵 Note: In rock, often what you don't play is just as important as what you do play.</p>

The Role of Jazz Influence in Rock Drums 🎷

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While not traditionally jazz drummers, both Watts and Fleetwood brought elements of jazz into their rock drumming:

• Rhythmic Subtleties: Watts, in particular, was influenced by jazz drummers like Max Roach and Art Blakey. His ability to incorporate subtle syncopation and swing into his rock playing gave The Stones' music a distinctive edge.

• Drum Kit as an Ensemble: Fleetwood's early career was in blues, but his sense of timing and improvisation was influenced by jazz. In tracks like "Albatross," his drum fills have a jazz-like flow, enhancing the song's moody atmosphere.

Unique Drum Sounds 🎸

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Fleetwood and Watts experimented with drum sounds in ways that were revolutionary:

• Floor Tom as Bass Drum: Watts famously used the floor tom with a pedal in tracks like "Paint It Black," which gives a different tonal quality to the beat.

• Custom Drum Kits: Fleetwood's kit was often custom-built to suit his musical vision, like in "The Chain," where he used a full drum kit but had a distinctive, booming sound.

Both drummers also played with unconventional setups, employing various cymbals and other percussion to layer their soundscapes.

Personal Style and Stage Presence 🎤

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• Mick Fleetwood: Known for his energetic stage presence, Fleetwood would often perform seated, emphasizing his drum solos with flamboyance. His percussive outbursts became an integral part of Fleetwood Mac's live shows.

• Charlie Watts: Known for his reserved demeanor, Watts’ subtle expressions and minimalist drum solos complemented the theatricality of The Stones. His calm professionalism was a counterpoint to the chaos on stage.

Drumming as a Storytelling Device 📘

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Both drummers understood the narrative role of drums:

• Supporting the Song: They could shift the mood of a track with a simple cymbal swell or a dynamic shift in tempo, telling stories through their drumming.

• Highlighting Emotions: In "Tumbling Dice," Watts uses a shuffle beat to inject a sense of urgency and emotional depth, guiding the listener through the song's journey.

Their approach was not to merely keep time but to enrich the musical narrative, making drums an instrument of storytelling.

Conclusion

The legacies of Mick Fleetwood and Charlie Watts are not just in the songs they played but in how they played them. Their innovative approaches have influenced generations of drummers, ensuring that their impact on rock drumming is both profound and enduring. Their style, sound, and presence on stage were all redefined, making their contributions to rock music unforgettable.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did Mick Fleetwood and Charlie Watts ever play together?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While there are no recorded instances of Fleetwood and Watts performing together, their styles influenced many drummers who have played with or alongside each other.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How did their minimalist approach affect other musicians?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Their minimalist approach encouraged musicians across genres to understand the importance of space and simplicity in music composition, leading to cleaner, more impactful arrangements.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are some key songs to listen to for Mick Fleetwood's drumming?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Listen to "Go Your Own Way," "The Chain," and "Albatross" for standout examples of Fleetwood's drumming.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How did Charlie Watts contribute to The Rolling Stones' sound?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Watts contributed significantly by providing a solid, understated groove that allowed the guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood to shine, often bringing a jazz-like swing to rock songs.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>