Death of drummer who turned down Stones

Death of drummer who turned down Stones

Aug 10 2005
By Sonia Sharma, The Evening Chronicle

He was the man who turned down the Stones and taught Keith Moon how to rock.

Carlo Little was once hailed as one of the best drummers in the business.

A key figure in the early 60s music scene, Carlo regularly rubbed shoulders with rock royalty.

He gave The Who's Keith Moon his first drumming lessons and played with Screaming Lord Sutch, the Cyril Davies All Stars and blues legend Long John Baldry.

Carlo even lined up in the fledgling Rolling Stones but, despite being begged to join the band full time, decided to stay with Cyril Davies.

He later recommended Charlie Watts to Keith Richards and Mick Jagger and the rest is history.

Years later, Richards described Carlo as "the best rock `n' roll drummer in the world".

Today the music world paid tribute to Carlo, of Cleadon, South Tyneside, who died from lung cancer on Saturday, aged 66.

Daughter Giselle Rawlins, 33, said: "We are all devastated. There is such a big gap in our family now.

"He became quite ill seven weeks ago and collapsed at home. He was taken to hospital by ambulance. But he had started to pick up and was getting better.

"We were determined to get him home but he developed chest problems on Wednesday and went downhill. On Friday we got a phone call saying he was really bad. He passed away the next morning."

Wife Iris, 57, said: "He was a wonderful husband, a wonderful father, a great provider and a great friend. He was very modest. We will miss him deeply."

Carlo first met Iris while he was on tour in the North East with The Flowerpot Men. He was playing at the Latino nightclub in South Shields, where 19 year-old Iris was a croupier.

The couple tied the knot six months later on July 20, 1968.

Before he retired, Carlo ran two burger stands. He drummed in bands until his illness stopped him.

Giselle said: "He was one of the best drummers in the country and influenced many people like Keith Moon. People send e-mails from around the world saying what an influence he has been. But he was very modest and just lived his life the way he lived it.

"He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He loved to party, loved company and to be social. He liked to welcome people into his house.

"He was also very brave and fought against his illness. He never talked about his cancer and never moaned about the pain.."

Carlo also leaves behind daughter Emma, 29, and two grandchildren, Ruby, two, and Karis, 13. A funeral will take place on Monday at South Tyneside Crematorium.

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