Fiacco family remembers ‘awe-struck moment’ with Rolling Stones after drummer’s death

It was a moment the Fiacco family still cherishes to this day.

Former Regina mayor Pat Fiacco was able to meet the Rolling Stones prior to their 2006 show at Taylor Field. That meeting resurfaced in their minds on Tuesday with the announcement that drummer Charlie Watts had passed away. He was 80.

“It was incredible. (Watts) was a man of few words, he really didn’t say a lot,” Fiacco recalled. “The fact we were able to meet them in person was amazing and it’s unfortunate he has passed away. He’s a group that you think will live forever.”

His daughter Melissa also remembers meeting the legendary rockers.

“We just had this awe-struck moment of meeting one of the most iconic rock and roll bands in history,” Melissa said.

She said each interaction with the band had a unique feel to it.

“Probably distinctly what you would expect based on the perception of their personalities. Charlie Watts is known for being subdued and not being there for the show but more for the music,” Melissa said. “We were able to get a family photo taken and it actually hangs on my wall to this day.”

Pat also agreed each member of the Stones had their own distinct personality, something that became apparent when they met with fans.

“(Watts) was very quiet. We exchanged pleasantries. Keith Richards, on the other hand, was the exact opposite, he liked to talk a lot but Charlie basically said he loved the city and it was a pleasure for him to be (in Regina),” Pat said.

Pat remembers the entire city had a different feeling in it ahead of the two Rolling Stones concerts that took place in front of around 40,000 fans both nights in October 2006.

“The week leading up to the two shows there was a vibe in the city that we had never seen before,” Pat said.

And he said the loss is a major one for all music fans.

“You lose a music legend like that and I think people are going to remember him being a quiet drummer in the background doing his thing,” Pat said. “It’s sad but I’m sure that everyone is going to remember what a great musician he was.”