Fans of Rolling Stones’ Wembley Whammer donate bronze bust to his hometown

Charlie Watts mega-fans presented a bronze bust of the late Rolling Stones drummer to Brent Council on Friday 1 July.

Stones icon Charlie Watts grew up in Wembley and was fondly known as the “Wembley Whammer”. After he passed away in August 2021, fans thought it fitting to honour him in his hometown. 

Sculpted by artist Sissy Piana, the bust was donated to Brent Council at a small ceremony attended by The Mayor of Brent, former Mayor of Brent Lia Colacicco, Founder of the Rolling Stones fansite SHIDOBEE with STONESDOUG, Doug Potash and organiser and commissioner of the artwork, Richard Jozefiak.

The Rolling Stones have strong roots in Brent, with Watts growing up in Wembley and the Rolling Stones performing in Wembley as far back as 1982. This bronze bust acts as another addition to the deep cultural impact the band has had in Brent as well as the rich musical history of our borough.

Founder of Rolling Stone fansite SHIDOBEE with STONESDOUG, Doug Potash sad: “With Charlie Watts gone, many of our members wanted to find a way that we could honour him. I was approached by SHIDOOB Richard Jozefiak with an idea; he had contacted sculptor Sissy Piana about creating a bronze bust of Charlie and proposed that we raise the funds and find the proper place for it to be displayed."

“When I announced this, donations immediately poured in and everyone was thrilled that they were part of having this bust of the Wembley Whammer created and given a place for it to be honoured thanks to the Brent Council."

Discussions are underway about where to display the bronze bust.