"I wanted to play drums because I fell in love with the glitter and the lights, but it wasn't about adulation. It was being up there playing"

In this quote by Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, a deep and individual insight into his inspirations for playing the drums is revealed. At its core, the quote captures the essence of a passion driven by intrinsic pleasure instead of the appeal of popularity or external recognition. Watts expresses a love for the aesthetics and atmosphere of live efficiencies--"the shine and the lights"-- which are typically associated with the glamour of the music market. However, he clarifies that his true motivation was not the "adulation" or the worshipful affection from fans that many performers may seek.

Instead, Watts stresses the pure, unadulterated delight of "being up there playing". This expression recommends that his satisfaction came from the act of making music itself, immersing himself in the imaginative and balanced aspects of drumming. It highlights a profound connection to his craft, highlighting that his dedication was rooted in the experience of performance rather than the awards that typically feature it.

This belief reflects an artist's real enthusiasm, where the process and the craft hold more significance than the resultant popularity or acknowledgment. For Watts, the phase was not simply a platform for celeb but a space for revealing his artistry. His love for playing drums thrived due to the fact that of what it suggested to him personally, a love that existed both apart from and within the phenomenon of a rock efficiency.

Watts' viewpoint is a reminder of the value of keeping authenticity and staying grounded in one's enthusiasm. It speaks with the idea that authentic satisfaction often originates from a deep connection to one's craft, independent of external benefits. This pureness of intent is likely why Watts remained a revered and highly regarded figure throughout his career.