Imagine this: Sweat literally dripping from the walls! That's the electrifying atmosphere Ronnie Wood vividly recalls from the '60s music scene. As a guitar legend, Wood's seen it all, from the frenzied energy of The Yardbirds to the jam sessions with Jimi Hendrix. Let's dive into his memories and the iconic bands he's been a part of.
Wood, a key figure in rock history, has been a cornerstone of The Rolling Stones for over five decades. But before the stadium tours and global fame, he was soaking up the raw energy of the early rock scene.
"The Yardbirds was one [band] that I used to follow a lot," Wood remembers, recalling seeing them at the Crawdaddy Club. "People were swinging from the rafters in there, and sweat dripping from the ceiling, and it was so incredible, the atmosphere." The band's explosive performances, particularly their rendition of Muddy Waters' "I'm A Man," left a lasting impression.
Wood's journey took a pivotal turn when he connected with Jeff Beck. He recalls telling Beck that they should team up if he ever left The Yardbirds. "And sure enough, he did leave and he did ring me up." This led to the formation of The Jeff Beck Group, a band that would become a launchpad for Wood's career.
Initially, Wood and Beck shared guitar duties. However, a suggestion from Jon Lord, who later formed Deep Purple, led to Wood embracing the bass. "I love a challenge, I don't mind it, so that's when I went on to the bass," Wood explains. And this is the part most people miss... he would later share a flat with Jimi Hendrix!
Wood's bass playing caught the attention of Jimi Hendrix, who would often encourage Beck to let the bass player shine. "He loved my bass playing, so that was a feather in my cap," Wood says. Their friendship extended beyond the stage, as they shared a flat for a couple of weeks.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Faces, featuring Wood, Rod Stewart, and Kenney Jones, are reportedly working on a new album, their first since 1973's Ooh La La. The band has reunited briefly over the years, including a performance at the Brit Awards in 2020.
In a 2021 interview, Wood revealed that he, Stewart, and Jones had been recording new music. In a 2025 interview, Kenney Jones stated that the trio recorded around 11 tracks, with Jools Holland guesting on one song.
What are your thoughts on these reunions? Do you think the new music will capture the magic of the original bands? Share your opinions in the comments below!
