Ronnie Wood, the legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones, has been a pillar of the band for over half a century. In an exclusive interview, Wood opens up about his cancer battle, the band's latest album, and their future endeavors. With a deep sense of humor and candor, he shares insights into the creative process, the dynamics within the band, and his personal journey.
A Cancer Battle and a Clean Bill of Health
Wood, who has been diagnosed with cancer twice in the last six years, reveals that he is now cancer-free. He describes the moment his doctor declared him clear as an emotional turning point. "He said, 'Ronnie, I never want to see you again.' He said, 'You’ve got a clean sheet ... give me a hug.' Then he said, 'You’ve followed all of your medicine and instructions correctly and we’ve got rid of it.' And he had a tear in his eye. He said, 'I might come to a show, but I don’t have to see you medically.'" This positive news has given Wood a renewed sense of energy and purpose.
The Creative Process and the Album's Magic
Discussing the band's 25th studio album, "Foreign Tongues," Wood describes the creative process as a fluid and inspiring journey. He mentions that the album was largely driven by a sense of feel and interaction between the band members. "It’s about 1/8th the energy of being on stage, but it’s still very inspiring and physical and funny. There’s so many interactions between us and fabulous accidents that just happen."
One notable moment was Mick Jagger's shout-out before the solo in "Back in Your Life." Wood recalls, "Yeah, it set me back, it surprised me. I thought, OK, because the solo really was inspirational even to me. I didn’t know how it was coming out and Andrew Watt was in tears by the end of it because it was a nine-minute solo edited down to about four or five. It was the last overdub I did in the studio."
Dynamics and Collaboration
When asked about the dynamics within the band, Wood explains that Keith Richards and he have a natural understanding of each other's roles. "It’s a natural happening. If he’s going up, I’ll lean back. He says, I’ll be the riff and you can embroider on it. And even after all these years, that still works out OK."
Collaboration with Paul McCartney and Charlie Watts
Wood also reflects on the collaborations with Paul McCartney and the late Charlie Watts. McCartney's appearance on "Bite My Head Off" and "Covered in You" is a testament to the band's enduring appeal. "Paul was very blown away. He said, 'I’m playing with The Rolling Stones! I always wanted to tick that box and I never thought that would happen.'"
Regarding Watts, Wood shares a memorable recording session, "We cut some demos and Charlie and I went to join Mick in a studio in Paris and we got Charlie to play on nine songs in one day and it was handy we did that. We were just jamming and having a ball and we got one (song) on 'Hackney Diamonds' and one on 'Foreign Tongues.'"
Future Plans and Personal Interests
Despite the recent cancellation of the European tour, Wood remains optimistic about the band's future. "Well, not this year, but we love to work. We’re dying to get back on the road. But we thought we’d treat one thing at a time and get the album out there."
In addition to music, Wood continues to explore his passion for painting, often incorporating seascapes into his artwork. He mentions that Mick Jagger has a few of his paintings, including one of Jagger dressed as an English Lord. "I go into Mick's house and I might see one that I did of him where he's dressed as a royal person with a cricket bat and a sword – a very English Lord type thing. Keith has some stuff of mine as well."
Legacy and Gratitude
When asked about legacy, Wood reflects on the blessings of his life, "I think what a blessing it is to be able to paint and express myself and be able to play and express myself. I just thank my lucky stars that my higher power is looking after me."
In conclusion, Ronnie Wood's interview offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of The Rolling Stones, showcasing their enduring spirit, creativity, and the deep bond between its members.
