The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts was laid to rest during a “modest” funeral in Devon last month, his former tour manager has revealed.

The drummer underwent an undisclosed medical procedure in the weeks prior to his death, which had caused him to pull out of the Stones’ forthcoming US tour.

Former tour manager Sam Cutler, who first worked with Watts in the 1960s, has now detailed the small ceremony, saying the “lack of fuss” suited the notoriously fame-shy drummer.

“It perfectly reflects the man he was, and I completely understand the choice that was made," he wrote iin a piece for The Mirror. "He would have hated a fuss and the commotion that involving the public would have meant.”

Cutler added that he was sure Watts would have wanted The Rolling Stones to carry on performing without him. The iconic rock band are set to continue with their ‘No Filter’ North American tour dates this month.

The Rolling Stones aimed to have him return for the band’s big 60th anniversary celebrations in 2022, when they will release their first album of ­original songs in 17 years.

“He would have wanted his band mates to continue,” Cutler said. “I feel certain that they will, and that every show will become a tribute to a remarkable and well-loved man, for there is no way that they will not continue being the greatest rock ’n’ roll band in the world.”

When news of Watts’ death was announces, Stones members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood all shared tributes on social media, with the latter simply writing: “I love you my fellow Gemini ~ I will dearly miss you ~ you are the best.”

The official Rolling Stones Twitter account also shared a two-minute tribute video to Watts.

pic.twitter.com/K6OKExXBED

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 27, 2021

Watt's publicist revealed the long-time Stones member's death last month in a statement, which read:

"It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts," a spokesperson for the musician wrote today.

"He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation.

"We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."

Read Pat Carty's Hot Press tribute, Charlie's Good Tonight...Charlie Watts (1942-2021), here.