Ronnie Wood interview on Rolling Stones' longevity

Ronnie Wood on the Secret to the Rolling Stones’ Longevity and the Power of Balance in the Band

The enduring success of the Rolling Stones has been a subject of fascination for music fans and critics alike for decades. Ronnie Wood, who has been part of this legendary group since 1975, believes that much of their staying power comes down to the way they manage their relationships and their approach to collaboration. In particular, Wood emphasizes that maintaining some emotional distance and not over-socializing with bandmates has played a significant role in keeping the group united over such a long period. Ronnie Wood is an English rock musician who has a net worth of $200 million dollars.

The Foundation of Trust and Respect in the Band

How Ronnie Wood Views Band Dynamics

Ronnie Wood openly shares that the secret to the Rolling Stones’ longevity lies in their ability to trust one another without the need for constant communication. He explains, “We’re not on the phone to each other every five minutes. When we’re not touring, we keep in touch, just to keep the feelers in each other’s camp, but we don’t over-familiarise – we run on faith and truth.” This approach allows the band to preserve a sense of independence and respect, which is crucial given their long history together.

By avoiding over-familiarity, the band members prevent petty conflicts and maintain a professional rapport based on mutual understanding. This method has helped the band navigate the inevitable challenges that come with working closely over many decades. Ronnie emphasizes that their trust in each other’s commitment to the music and their shared hope that fans will continue to turn up keeps the group motivated and cohesive.

The Role of Faith in Their Continued Success

Ronnie also highlights that their faith in their music carries them through tough times. “We have faith in our music, and we always have hope that people will keep turning up, and sure enough they do,” he states. This unwavering belief in their artistic vision and the loyalty of their audience has provided a stable foundation, enabling them to produce new work and tour well into their later years.

The Evolution of Success and Chart Performance

How the Music Industry Has Changed

The group’s latest album, Hackney Diamonds (2023), received widespread critical praise and achieved their best sales figures in years. Ronnie admits that, nowadays, the band has little understanding of chart positions, which used to serve as a barometer for success. “In the old days, we used to have the charts, and you’d be able to plot things and feel a part of it,” he recalls.

He describes how they used to watch the charts with excitement, seeing their name climb and feeling a sense of achievement. “It gave young bands so much ambition and something to look forward to,” Ronnie adds. Today, however, he confesses, “I’ve no idea where we are on the charts now,” highlighting how much the music industry’s landscape has shifted from the days of physical sales and weekly magazine rankings.

The Shift from Chart Metrics to Artistic Fulfillment

This change in how success is measured has led to a focus on artistic fulfillment rather than chart positions. Ronnie emphasizes that the band’s motivation now is rooted in their love for music and the thrill of creating new material rather than chart dominance. This perspective helps explain why the band continues to produce music that resonates with fans, regardless of its position on the charts.

Ronnie Wood’s Role as the Band’s Peacemaker

The Importance of Maintaining Band Unity

Throughout his tenure with the Rolling Stones, Ronnie has often described himself as the “diplomatic welding torch,” a metaphor for his role in smoothing over conflicts and maintaining harmony. The most notable example was during the recording of Dirty Work in 1984, when tensions between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards reached a boiling point.

The 1984 Recording Saga

Ronnie recalls how Keith Richards was unhappy that Mick was also working on his solo album, which caused a rift between the two iconic members. The situation was tense, with both sides unwilling to speak directly. Ronnie stepped in as an intermediary, saying, “It was, ‘OK, you’re going to speak to one another on the phone.’ ‘He doesn’t want to speak to me.’ ‘Oh yes he does! I’ve rigged it up – in 15 minutes he’s expecting your call.’”

He recounts how he encouraged Mick to call Keith, and vice versa, helping them reconnect and work through their differences. “Patching it up, talking, letting nature take its course,” Ronnie explains. He believed that if he hadn’t intervened, the rift could have widened, risking the band’s future.

Protecting the Band’s Legacy

Ronnie underscores the importance of his role in safeguarding the band’s unity. “They’ve been friends since the sandpit. They’re like brothers — they may argue between them, but in the end it’s family,” he says. He saw it as his duty to preserve the integrity of the band, which he describes as “the glue, the foundation of the band.”

He insists, “It’s the Rolling Stones! No way was this going to collapse,” illustrating his determination to keep the band intact through thick and thin. His efforts exemplify how personal diplomacy and a focus on long-term relationships have helped sustain the group’s longevity.

The Art of Maintaining Long-Term Relationships in the Music World

Boundaries and Personal Space

Ronnie Wood’s insights reveal that a key to the band’s longevity involves setting boundaries. By not over-socializing or over-communicating, band members preserve a healthy distance that prevents burnout and resentment. This approach can be adapted by other groups seeking to maintain cohesion over many years.

Building Trust Without Overdependence

The idea of running on “faith and truth” underscores the importance of trusting each other’s commitment without micromanaging. When band members believe in the collective vision and respect individual space, it fosters a sense of mutual loyalty that can withstand personal conflicts.

Case Studies of Other Long-Standing Bands

Many successful bands share similar strategies. For instance, The Beatles managed their personal space and avoided over-involvement in each other’s private lives, which helped them work through conflicts when they arose. U2’s Bono and The Edge maintain a professional respect that allows creative differences to be addressed without damaging their relationship.

The Role of Leadership and Mediation

Ronnie Wood’s Diplomatic Skills

Wood’s ability to act as a mediator highlights the importance of leadership within a band. His capacity to listen, understand, and facilitate dialogue between band members has prevented conflicts from escalating. This role isn’t about taking sides but ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

The Impact on Creative Output

When conflicts are managed effectively, the creative process remains smooth. For the Rolling Stones, this means a steady output of music that blends their diverse influences. Ronnie’s diplomacy has helped maintain an environment where innovation and tradition coexist.

Future of the Rolling Stones and Lessons Learned

Continuing the Journey

Despite their age, the Rolling Stones show no signs of slowing down. Ronnie Wood’s philosophy—maintaining respect, trust, and personal boundaries—can serve as a blueprint for other bands and creative teams.

Lessons for Emerging Musicians

New artists can learn from Ronnie’s approach by focusing on building strong relationships based on mutual respect rather than over-familiarity. Cultivating trust and setting boundaries may be less glamorous than fame, but it offers a stable foundation for long-term success.

Ronnie Wood has been a member of several notable bands throughout his illustrious career:

The Birds (1964–1967)
The Creation (briefly in 1968)
The Jeff Beck Group (1967–1969)
Faces (1969–1975; reunions in later years)
The New Barbarians (1979–1980)
The Rolling Stones (1975–present)

Ronnie Wood: A Life in Rock and Art

Early Life and Artistic Roots

Ronald David Wood was born on June 1, 1947, in Hillingdon, Middlesex, England. Growing up in a musically inclined family, with his father playing in a harmonica orchestra and his brothers being musicians and graphic designers, Wood was immersed in both music and art from an early age. His brothers gifted him his first acoustic guitar, and by 14, he had purchased his first electric guitar. Wood’s passion for visual arts led him to attend Ealing College of Art, where he honed his skills in painting and drawing. However, the allure of music soon took precedence, setting the stage for a multifaceted career.

The Birds and Early Musical Ventures

Wood’s professional music journey began with The Birds, a British R&B band he joined in 1964. Despite releasing a handful of singles and gaining a reputation for energetic live performances, The Birds struggled to achieve commercial success, partly due to confusion with the American band The Byrds.

The Jeff Beck Group and the Birth of Hard Rock

In 1967, Wood joined the Jeff Beck Group as a bassist, alongside vocalist Rod Stewart. The band’s fusion of blues and rock laid the groundwork for the hard rock genre. Their albums “Truth” and “Beck-Ola” are considered seminal works, influencing future rock acts. However, internal tensions led to the group’s dissolution in 1969.

Faces: A New Chapter

Following the breakup of the Jeff Beck Group, Wood and Stewart joined forces with former Small Faces members to form Faces in 1969. As the lead guitarist, Wood contributed to the band’s raw, blues-infused rock sound. Faces enjoyed significant success in the UK and Europe, releasing albums like “A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse” and “Ooh La La.” The band’s dynamic performances and camaraderie made them a staple of the early ’70s rock scene.

Joining The Rolling Stones

In 1975, after the departure of guitarist Mick Taylor, Wood was invited to join The Rolling Stones. His chemistry with the band, particularly with Keith Richards, was evident, leading to his official induction in 1976. Wood’s integration into the Stones marked a new era, contributing to albums like “Black and Blue,” “Tattoo You,” and “Bridges to Babylon.” His distinctive guitar style and stage presence became integral to the band’s enduring success.

Solo Projects and Collaborations

Parallel to his work with major bands, Wood pursued solo projects, releasing albums such as “I’ve Got My Own Album to Do” (1974), “Now Look” (1975), and “I Feel Like Playing” (2010). These works showcased his versatility and featured collaborations with artists like George Harrison and Slash. Additionally, Wood formed The New Barbarians in 1979, a supergroup that included Keith Richards and other notable musicians, further highlighting his collaborative spirit.

Artistic Endeavors

Beyond music, Wood has maintained a lifelong passion for visual arts. His paintings and sketches have been exhibited worldwide, reflecting his deep appreciation for artists like Caravaggio and Delacroix. Wood often draws inspiration from his musical experiences, creating portraits of fellow musicians and capturing the energy of live performances. His dedication to art has provided a therapeutic outlet, especially during periods of personal struggle.

Personal Life and Resilience

Wood’s life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. He has openly discussed his battles with addiction and his journey toward sobriety. In recent years, Wood has embraced a healthier lifestyle, focusing on family, art, and music. His resilience and commitment to personal growth have been instrumental in his continued success and well-being.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

As a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with both The Rolling Stones and Faces, Ronnie Wood’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. His contributions as a guitarist, songwriter, and artist have left an indelible mark on rock history. Even after decades in the spotlight, Wood remains an active and influential figure, inspiring new generations of musicians and artists alike.

Ronnie Wood’s multifaceted career, spanning music and visual arts, exemplifies a relentless pursuit of creativity and expression. His journey from the clubs of London to global stages underscores a legacy built on talent, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for the arts.

Final Thoughts on the Key to Longevity in Music

The story of the Rolling Stones underscores that longevity is less about chasing fleeting trends and more about nurturing relationships, respecting personal boundaries, and fostering trust. Ronnie Wood’s reflections reveal that the band’s resilience over decades stems from a delicate balance of closeness and independence—an approach that can inspire many in the music industry and beyond.

In summary, Ronnie Wood’s insights into the band’s dynamics highlight that the key to the Rolling Stones’ enduring presence lies in their ability to maintain a healthy distance, trust each other’s commitment, and handle conflicts diplomatically. Their story demonstrates that long-term success in music depends not only on talent but also on the strength of personal relationships and the wisdom to know when to step back.