The veteran British band, on their first tour since 1963 without Watts, displayed photos and video of him on huge projections at the St Louis, Missouri, arena against a drum solo soundtrack.

As the crowd of some 60,000 shouted “Charlie, Charlie”, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood bounded onto the stage for opening number “Street Fighting Man”.

“It was quite emotional seeing those pictures of Charlie up on the screen. This is our first tour that we’ve ever done without him,” said Jagger, holding hands onstage with Richards.

He thanked fans for their messages of support and tributes to Watts, saying the band had found them “really touching”.

“We all miss Charlie so much both on the stage and off the stage,” Jagger added.

Steve Jordan took the place of Watts on drums yesterday. He had been announced in August as a temporary replacement for Watts, whom it was initially thought would return after recuperating.

The 13-date tour, which was delayed because of the pandemic, ends in November and the band has been ambivalent about whether it will be their last.

“I’ve been asked that question since I was 31,” Jagger, 78, said last week. “I don’t know. I mean, anything could happen. If things are good next year and everyone’s feeling good about touring, I’m sure we’ll do shows.

“I’m just trying to concentrate on this tour now.”