Sir Mick Jagger makes heartbreaking confession about performing without the Rolling Stones’ late drummer Charlie Watts band embarks on tour

Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger says he still struggles to perform without the band’s drummer Charlie Watts behind him after his death in 2021.

Charlie sadly passed away in August 2021 at the age of 80, following complications from emergency heart surgery.

The Rolling Stones performed in Texas on the first night of the US leg of their tour on Sunday night as they show no signs of slowing down.

Steve Jordan has taken Charlie’s place on drums, but Sir Mick says he still misses going on stage with his old friend years after his death.

Percussionist Charlie first joined the Stones in 1963 with Sir Mick, Keith Richards and Brian Jones before they went on to become one of the most successful groups of all time.

Charlie sadly passed away in August 2021 at the age of 80, following complications from emergency heart surgery (Charlie pictured in 2019)

According to the MirrorSir Mick said: ‘Of course it’s difficult. I mean, my whole life, since I was 19 or whatever, it’s always been Charlie.

‘Of course it’s emotional, but you have to get over that in life.

“I love Charlie and all, but I still want to keep making music.”

Keith said: ‘It was because of Charlie’s passing that we felt that if the Stones were to continue, we could better leave a mark on what the Stones are today.’

The rockers gave an energetic performance at the NRG Stadium in Houston last weekend and have been touring for more than 60 years.

The rockers gave an energetic performance at the NRG Stadium in Houston and have been touring for more than 60 years.

Singer Mick Jagger and lead guitarist Keith Richards are now both 80 years old, and guitarist Ronnie Wood is 76 years old.

Steve Jordan (right) has taken Charlie’s place on drums, but Sir Mick says he still misses going on stage with his old friend years after his death

Singer Sir Mick Jagger and lead guitarist Keith Richards are now both 80 years old, and guitarist Ronnie Wood is 76 years old. The band will perform this weekend in Houston, Texas.

The band is playing a 16-city tour of America and Canada, ending July 17 in California

Mick took the stage and said, “It’s great to be back in the Lone Star State.”

The band is busy touring their latest album Hackney Diamonds, their first original music album since 2005.

The band played 18 songs during their final performance, including the new song Angry but also some of their older songs, Sympathy for the Devil, Gimmer Shelter, Honky Tonk Women and Start Me Up.

It has been reported that the musicians will share the stage with Lady Gaga after their setlist was leaked, confirming that the band will perform their song Sounds Of Heaven, featuring hitmaker Poker Face.

The Mirror have revealed that diehard fans have managed to track down where the band were rehearsing for their sold-out tour.

After listening to rehearsals at a venue in Burbank, Los Angeles, they heard Lady Gaga and the Stones’ shared song, fueling rumors that she would join them for an onstage duet for their dates in Los Angeles Angeles in July.

It has been reported that the musicians will share the stage with Lady Gaga after their setlist was leaked (Lady Gaga, Sir Mick Jagger, Steve Jordan and Keith Richards pictured last year)

A fan outside Burbank’s rehearsal space told the publication: ‘From what we’ve heard this week, these performances will be absolutely magical and should have people begging, borrowing or stealing tickets.

‘In addition to all the Hackney Diamonds hits and their classics, there is a good chance that they will perform a number of songs live for the last time.

“Opening night in Houston will be a real party and people will be talking about seeing the Stones there for a long time.”

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones for comment.