Bundle Drum Sheet & Drumless – The Rolling Stones – Angie

“Angie” by The Rolling Stones is one of the band’s most beloved ballads — a haunting, emotional song that showcases a more tender side of the group. Released in 1973 as the lead single from their album Goats Head Soup, “Angie” quickly became an international hit, topping the charts in several countries. For fans of the drums, it’s a masterclass in restraint, groove, and emotional support — proof that sometimes the most powerful drumming comes from knowing when not to play.

The song was primarily written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, though it emerged from a period of introspection for the band. Richards composed much of the song while recovering from his heroin addiction in Switzerland. With just an acoustic guitar, he began forming the melody and chords, and the name “Angie” came naturally — though Richards later said it wasn’t about anyone in particular, despite long-standing rumors it was inspired by David Bowie’s wife or his own daughter. Jagger then crafted lyrics about heartbreak, longing, and acceptance — a goodbye wrapped in beauty.

The recording sessions took place at Dynamic Sound Studios in Kingston, Jamaica, in late 1972. The song’s emotional tone called for a softer, more spacious arrangement, and that’s where Charlie Watts, the band’s drummer, truly shone. Instead of his usual driving rock energy, Watts played with incredible sensitivity — using brushes and light snare accents to let the acoustic guitars and piano breathe. His touch on the drums is almost invisible at first, but it’s the heartbeat of the song: subtle hi-hat work, gentle cymbal swells, and perfectly timed snare taps that underline the melancholy of Jagger’s vocals.

Producer Jimmy Miller captured the band in a beautifully raw state, blending Nicky Hopkins’ elegant piano lines with Watts’ understated groove. The rhythm section feels loose yet perfectly balanced — as if everyone is holding their breath through each verse.

When The Rolling Stones performed “Angie” live during their 1973 and 1975 tours, the song became a moment of reflection amidst their energetic setlists. Watts would often emphasize the song’s emotion by leaning just slightly behind the beat, giving it that floating, wistful quality that made audiences sway in unison.

For fans of drumming, “Angie” is Charlie Watts at his most poetic — reminding us that true rhythmic artistry lies not in power, but in presence, feel, and the spaces between the notes.