The story of Ronnie Wood's involvement in the creation of The Rolling Stones' iconic song 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll' is a fascinating one, and it showcases the power of creative collaboration and the influence of a charismatic host. Wood, already a seasoned musician with the Faces, found himself at the center of a musical hub in his London home, The Wick, in the early 1970s. This period was a golden age for musical creativity, and Wood's place was a magnet for some of the biggest names in the industry.
Wood's home was a hub of musical activity, attracting a diverse range of artists, from the already-famous to those seeking recognition. He recalls the vibrant atmosphere, with musicians queuing down the stairs, eager to be a part of the creative process. Among the visitors were his Faces bandmate Rod Stewart, session drummer Andy Newmark, and two acclaimed bassists, Ric Grech and Willie Weeks. This group of musicians, each with their own unique talents, contributed to the rich tapestry of musical innovation.
One of the most memorable moments Wood describes is an impromptu guitar lesson he gave to two legendary drummers, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. The story highlights the spontaneous nature of musical creativity and the willingness of established artists to learn from and collaborate with others. Wood's ability to bring these diverse musicians together and facilitate their interactions showcases his role as a catalyst for musical innovation.
In 1974, Wood recorded his debut solo album at The Wick, titled 'I've Got My Own Album To Do'. This project was a star-studded affair, featuring guest appearances from George Harrison, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Ian McLagan. The album's opening track, 'I Can Feel The Fire', was a collaborative effort, with Wood joined by Willie Weeks, Andy Newmark, Jagger, Richards, and Bowie. This session also marked the beginning of Wood's involvement in the creation of 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll'.
Wood and Mick Jagger worked on the song together, with Wood providing backup vocals and contributing to the basic track. The song's creation was a collaborative effort, with Wood's input being crucial to its development. The final version of the song, recorded with Kenney Jones on drums, became the title track of The Rolling Stones' 12th studio album, released in 1974. Despite the song being credited to Jagger and Richards only, Wood's contribution was significant, and his role in its creation was an important part of his musical journey.
Wood's transition from the Faces to The Rolling Stones was seamless, thanks to his prior knowledge of the band and his established relationships with its members. He recorded and toured with the Stones in 1975 while still with the Faces and became an official member in 1976, after the Faces disbanded. Wood's journey from his home studio at The Wick to becoming a full-time member of The Rolling Stones is a testament to his talent and the power of creative collaboration.
In conclusion, the story of Ronnie Wood's involvement in 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll' highlights the importance of a supportive and creative environment in fostering musical innovation. Wood's role as a host and collaborator was instrumental in the song's creation, and his journey from a home studio to a prominent position in one of the world's most iconic rock bands is a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and the influence of a charismatic host.
