AVP newsletter – No. 82 – August 2021
CHARLIE WATTS HAS DIED.
02 June 1941 – 24 August 2021
I knew Charlie (and Shirley) from a different perspective than with his band. We first met 19 years ago in Deurne (NL).
An International show of Arabian thoroughbred horses,
organized by Mrs. Jopie Smarius of Smaroel Arabians.
As the only official filmmaker, I had the privilege of filming the various ”International Arabian Horse Shows” for several years.
Opportunities to enjoy a short stay in a relaxed atmosphere with horse owners such as the Watts family and
HRH Princess Alia al Hussein (the daughter of).
Both were also the first to purchase DVD’s from my series of Arabian thoroughbred horses.
An introduction to Charlie began with a soft hand of a slightly timid looking man. Certainly not a powerful hand that one would expect from a drummer that kept the world ’s largest Rock & Roll band – the ROLLING STONES – in tune.
We didn’t get together, but we knew each other, greeted one another and talked mainly about horses. Arabic horses were actually the hobby of his wife Shirley. Charlie clearly enjoyed not always having to talk about the Rolling Stones.
Our meetings were used to make a short film of Charlie and Shirley, owners of “Halsdon Arabians”, when they proudly showed their champion stallion “Alba” at the Tulip Cup 2000 in Deurne (NL).
As a Stones fan it was of course very nice to meet one of my idols privately. There’s more than making music,
even though you’re the biggest in your field.
Charlie is no longer. The reminder remains.
KO AUGUSTIJN MEETS CHARLIE WATTS.