Ronnie Wood talks Hendrix and Stones tour dreams
The history of rock and roll is often told through roaring anthems and explosive stage shows, but sometimes the deepest truths are revealed in the quiet moments and the intimate art that captures the spirit of a legend. This is the story of Ronnie Wood, the guitarist and visionary, as he uses his art to explore the electric legacy of Jimi Hendrix and speculate on the future of his musical family, The Rolling Stones.
Wood’s latest venture, Ronnie Wood: The Jimi Hendrix Portraits, is more than just a collection of paintings and sketches; it is an invitation into the world of one of rock’s most electrifying figures. The exhibition is currently on display at the Handel Hendrix House museum, occupying the space where Hendrix once lived, offering a profound connection between the artist, the icon, and the history of music.
The collection features Wood’s existing renditions of Hendrix, alongside two new, unseen original portraits crafted by the Rolling Stones guitarist himself. This artistic exploration delves into the duality of the legendary musician—capturing both the raw, stage-shaking intensity and the quieter, more personal side that often remains untold.
Wood’s relationship with Hendrix was deep and formative. Meeting the icon when he first arrived in London in 1966, Wood was part of a generation that felt the seismic shift of the ’60s. He recalls how quickly connections were made amongst those in the know, sharing a moment of insight that defined their bond.
“I got to know him when he was a name that was already on people’s lips,” Wood reflects. He recounts a moment in a Soho speakeasy club where he first connected with the legend, noting how Hendrix opened up to him instantly.
When discussing Hendrix’s private life, Wood offers a touching perspective. He recalls Hendrix as a very personalized, almost recluse figure, someone who struggled with his voice and was shy. Wood remembers comforting him, assuring him that his unique guitar playing made up for any perceived vocal concerns.
This duality—the vibrant energy captured in the artwork and the delicate, introspective spirit revealed in the sketches—is the heart of the exhibition. Wood admits that painting Hendrix’s expressive face is challenging, yet he feels that the general essence and spirit of the legend ultimately come across in the final work.
While the exhibition celebrates Hendrix, Wood’s gaze inevitably turns to the future of his other musical obsession: The Rolling Stones. The artist, currently immersed in his own projects with his band Ammo and his recent album ‘Foreign Tongues’, is brimming with creative energy.
Wood teases the possibilities for a Stones reunion, acknowledging the complexities of the musical landscape. Though the road to a full-blown tour remains elusive, Wood maintains that when his bandmates—Mick Jagger and Keith Richards—are enthusiastic, the opportunity to make music is inevitable. He speculates that even a single gig or a slot at a massive event like Glastonbury 2027 would be within reach.
The current musical climate, with Rod Stewart announcing his final tour, has undoubtedly altered the trajectory of long-rumoured reunions like the Faces. However, Wood remains hopeful that these creative paths will continue to unfold. The exhibition stands as a vibrant testament to a life lived in music, reflecting on the enduring magic that connects guitar, portraiture, and the enduring spirit of rock.
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