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 unique space. 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 time of immense creativity and innovation in the music industry, and Wood's home was a testament to that.
Wood's house was a magnet for some of the biggest names in music. From Gregg Allman to Paul McCartney, and with regular visits from Rod Stewart, Andy Newmark, Ric Grech, and Willie Weeks, it was a place where musical ideas flourished. Wood's home studio, installed when he bought The Wick in 1971, further fueled this creative energy. It was here that Wood recorded his debut solo album, 'I've Got My Own Album To Do', a project that featured guest appearances from the likes of George Harrison, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Ian McLagan.
But it was the creation of 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll' that truly showcases the impact of this environment. Wood, along with Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Willie Weeks, laid down the basic rhythm track for the song at The Wick. This track, recorded in 1974, became the foundation for the final version of the song, which was released as the title track of The Rolling Stones' 12th studio album later that year. Despite the song being credited to Jagger and Richards only, Wood's contribution was significant, and it was his involvement that helped shape the iconic sound of the track.
The story of 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll' is a testament to the power of collaboration and the influence of a unique space. Wood's home, The Wick, was a hub of creativity and innovation, and it was in this environment that some of the music industry's greatest talents came together to create something truly special. This story also highlights the importance of a musician's home and workspace in their creative process, and how it can shape their work and influence their sound.
Wood's journey with The Rolling Stones began with this song and continued with his eventual joining of the band in 1976, after the Faces disbanded. The Wick, though no longer his primary residence, remains a significant part of his musical history and a symbol of the creative energy that flourished there. This story is a reminder of the importance of a musician's environment and how it can shape their work and influence their sound, and it continues to inspire musicians and music lovers alike.
