Legendary musicians Ronnie Wood and Sir Rod Stewart have rekindled their collaboration, working on new tracks before a potential Faces reunion. Wood shared insights during his appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, stating that “absolutely nothing has changed” since their early days in the late 1960s.
Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart: A Timeless Collaboration
Wood explained to host Lauren Laverne that their only significant change involves Stewart’s decision to no longer allow amplifiers on stage. The Faces, which formed in 1969 after singer Steve Marriott’s exit from the Small Faces, are known for iconic hits such as “Stay With Me.” Recently, Wood joined Stewart to perform this beloved track at the Glastonbury festival.
New Music on the Horizon
In the recent interview, Wood expressed enthusiasm for their collaboration, stating, “We would love to do that. We’ve got these songs that we’re working on from back in the day.” However, he acknowledged the difficulty in coordinating schedules for studio time. “When we do get a chance to get in the studio again, we will finish off these songs. We’ve got a good body of songs going,” he added.
Faces’ Tour Stories
Wood fondly recalled their touring experiences, including a humorous incident that led to the Faces being banned from the Holiday Inn hotel chain. The band resorted to checking in under false names like Fleetwood Mac. One notable incident occurred in Detroit, where hotel management discovered their unconventional room setup in the corridor.
The Rolling Stones’ Ongoing Legacy
As the Rolling Stones prepare for the release of their latest album, Wood highlighted the constantly evolving music standards. Their most recent album, “Hackney Diamonds,” was released in 2023, and Wood stated, “We’re always raising the bar, and miraculously, the bar keeps going up and up.” They are currently in the mixing stage of another album, expected by the end of this year or early next year.
Personal Growth and Recovery
In addition to discussing music, Wood also opened up about his personal journey. He shared that he gave up drugs and alcohol in 2010, thanks to the support from friends. “Encouragement and a hand on the shoulder just before going on stage, like from Mick [Jagger], saying you’ll be OK, and to let it go,” he noted. This support helped him navigate the challenges of recovery and remain focused on his music career.
