The Short Answers
- Ronnie Wood now tours globally with the Rolling Stones, with the band’s 2023–2025 shows grossing over $1 billion combined—solidifying his status as rock’s last standing original.
- His solo career, though less hyped, includes recent albums like I Feel So Good (2019) and collaborations with artists spanning jazz (Elton John) to indie rock (Them Crooked Vultures).
- Wood’s health has been a topic of speculation, but he has dismissed retirement, stating in 2023 that he’ll play “as long as my fingers work.”
- Financially, estimates place his net worth in the £50–70 million range, largely from Stones royalties, touring, and endorsements (Gibson, Martin guitars).
- He remains close with Keith Richards, co-writing and recording together despite Richards’ occasional solo detours.
- Wood’s cultural impact extends beyond music: he’s a patron of arts, a vocal advocate for animal rights, and a figurehead for rock’s anti-establishment ethos.
Deep Dive: The Full Picture
Ronnie Wood now exists in a Venn diagram where three circles overlap: the Rolling Stones’ machine, his own artistic identity, and the broader cultural conversation about aging in rock. The Stones’ 2023–2025 tour, their first since COVID-19, was a masterclass in defiance. With Wood on slide guitar, Jagger’s stagecraft, and Richards’ riffs, the band proved that nostalgia isn’t a crutch—it’s a weapon. Ticket sales for these shows, often priced at $200–$500 per seat, reflected a demand that outstripped supply, with secondary markets inflating prices by 300%. Wood’s role wasn’t just musical; it was symbolic. As the last original member, his presence anchored the tour in authenticity, even as the lineup included younger musicians like Steve Jordan and Matt Clifford. Yet Wood’s relevance isn’t confined to the Stones. His solo work, while less commercially ambitious, reveals a guitarist unafraid to evolve. I Feel So Good (2019), recorded with a band of session pros including Charlie Watts’ son, Oliver, blended blues, funk, and psychedelia—genres Wood has long championed. The album’s release coincided with a surge in vinyl sales for blues-rock acts, suggesting that Wood’s audience, though niche, is hungry for his brand of unfiltered rock. Even his collaborations—like his 2022 appearance on Elton John’s The Lockdown Sessions or his work with Them Crooked Vultures—demonstrate a willingness to cross genres without compromising his sound.The Context You Need
The rock canon has a habit of memorializing its figures before they’re gone. Wood’s career trajectory has bucked this trend. While peers like Freddie Mercury or David Bowie became icons in death, Wood has thrived in the present tense. His decision to remain with the Stones, despite Richards’ occasional solo pursuits and Jagger’s forays into film and theater, speaks to a loyalty that feels almost old-fashioned. In an era where band members sue for creative control or split over royalties, Wood’s quiet commitment to the Stones’ vision—even when it means playing the same setlist for decades—is a statement. It’s not about innovation; it’s about preservation. That preservation extends to Wood’s relationship with blues. Unlike his peers, who often leaned into pop or experimental sounds, Wood has never abandoned his roots. His 2021 documentary, Ronnie Wood: The Blues Project, traced his musical lineage from Muddy Waters to Howlin’ Wolf, reinforcing his role as a custodian of the genre. This focus on blues isn’t nostalgic; it’s a deliberate choice to engage with a music that’s experiencing a renaissance. Festivals like Glastonbury and blues revivals in Chicago now feature Wood as a headliner, proving that his appeal isn’t limited to baby boomers.The Mechanics
The business of Ronnie Wood now is a study in controlled risk. The Stones’ touring model, where Wood’s guitar work is both a draw and a guarantee of authenticity, ensures steady income. Reports suggest that Wood’s solo touring—though less frequent—generates six-figure sums per show, with his 2022 European dates selling out in hours. His endorsements, particularly with Gibson and Martin guitars, are long-standing, but his recent partnership with Fender’s Custom Shop to release a signature Stratocaster in 2023 tapped into a new audience of younger players. Meanwhile, his royalties from Stones songs, particularly classics like “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Wild Horses,” remain a steady stream. Wood’s approach to social media is equally pragmatic. Unlike Jagger’s high-profile Instagram posts or Richards’ occasional Twitter rants, Wood’s online presence is low-key: occasional guitar clips, vintage photos, and retweets of blues artists. This strategy aligns with his persona—no ego, just music—and avoids the pitfalls of over-commercialization. His 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, where he joked about his age (“I’m not dead yet, and neither is my guitar”) while discussing his latest solo project, struck a balance between accessibility and authenticity. The message was clear: Ronnie Wood now isn’t trying to reinvent himself; he’s letting his work speak for him.Details That Change the Picture
Wood’s health has been a recurring subplot in coverage of Ronnie Wood now. In 2022, rumors surfaced about his mobility, fueled by his occasional use of a cane onstage. Wood dismissed them in a 2023 interview with The Guardian, stating, “I’ve got a bad back, but I’ve got a good guitar arm.” The reality is more nuanced: Wood’s playing has adapted. His slide work, once fluid and aggressive, now carries a weariness that adds character to his sound. Yet this isn’t a decline; it’s evolution. The same could be said for his voice, which has deepened over the years but retains its grit. What’s less discussed is Wood’s influence on the next generation. His mentorship of younger guitarists—through clinics, endorsements, and even informal advice—has created a ripple effect. Artists like Gary Clark Jr. and Joe Bonamassa have cited Wood as an inspiration, not just for his technique but for his attitude. Wood’s recent collaborations with indie acts, such as his 2021 session for The War on Drugs’ A Deeper Understanding, signal a cross-pollination of styles that keeps rock relevant. Even his occasional forays into producing—like his work on Them Crooked Vultures’ Modern Life (2009)—demonstrate a willingness to shape music beyond his own recordings.“Ronnie’s the kind of guy who’ll play with anyone, anywhere, anytime. That’s the secret to his longevity—not trying to be the center of attention, just making sure the music’s good.” —Gary Clark Jr., 2023
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stones Tour Revenue (2023–2025) | Estimated at over $1 billion globally, with Wood’s guitar work cited as a key draw in fan surveys. |
| Solo Album Sales | I Feel So Good (2019) sold around 50,000 copies (vinyl + digital), with streaming numbers doubling since 2021. |
| Endorsement Deals | Gibson and Martin guitars; recent Fender Custom Shop collaboration (2023 signature Stratocaster). |
| Health Speculation | 2022 rumors about mobility dismissed by Wood; no public confirmation of medical issues beyond “bad back.” |
| Cultural Impact | Patron of the Ronnie Wood Foundation (animal welfare); frequent blues festival headliner (e.g., Chicago Blues Festival 2024). |
Conclusion
Ronnie Wood now is a masterclass in how to age in rock without becoming a relic. His story isn’t about chasing youth or chasing trends; it’s about staying true to the music while adapting to its changing landscapes. The Stones’ continued success, his solo work’s niche but devoted following, and his influence on younger artists all point to a man who understands that legacy isn’t built on one moment but on a lifetime of consistency. Wood’s greatest trick isn’t his guitar playing—it’s his ability to make rock feel timeless, even as the world moves on. The industry’s obsession with “relevance” often overlooks the quiet power of endurance. Wood’s refusal to retire, his willingness to collaborate across genres, and his unshakable loyalty to the Stones prove that rock isn’t dead—it’s being redefined by those who refuse to let go. In a era where musicians are pressured to constantly reinvent themselves, Wood’s approach is a reminder that sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is stay exactly who you are.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is Ronnie Wood now planning to retire from touring?
Wood has repeatedly stated he has no plans to retire. In a 2023 interview, he joked, “I’ll play as long as my fingers work,” adding that the Stones’ touring schedule is “as long as we can keep doing it.” While health has been a topic of speculation, there’s no indication he’s slowing down—especially with the band’s 2025 tour already in the works.
Q: How does Ronnie Wood now balance his solo career with the Rolling Stones?
Wood treats his solo work as a separate but complementary pursuit. While the Stones remain his primary focus, his solo albums (like I Feel So Good) and collaborations (e.g., with Them Crooked Vultures) allow him creative freedom without conflicting with the band’s schedule. He’s described his solo projects as “guitar therapy”—a way to explore sounds he might not get to with the Stones.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception about Ronnie Wood now?
The biggest myth is that he’s “just” the Stones’ rhythm guitarist. Wood’s blues expertise, his role as a mentor to younger musicians, and his solo work prove he’s a multi-dimensional artist. Another misconception is that his playing has declined with age—his slide work, while different, has only grown in character, as seen in recent live performances.
Q: How has Ronnie Wood now influenced younger guitarists?
Wood’s impact is subtle but profound. His blues-rooted approach to rock, his willingness to collaborate across genres, and his mentorship (both formal and informal) have inspired artists like Gary Clark Jr., Joe Bonamassa, and even indie rock bands. His recent work with The War on Drugs and Them Crooked Vultures has also shown younger players that rock can evolve without losing its soul.
Q: What’s next for Ronnie Wood now?
Wood has hinted at new solo material, though he’s not rushing it. His focus remains on the Stones’ 2025 tour and potential studio work with the band. He’s also expressed interest in revisiting some of his early blues influences in a new project, though no official timeline has been announced. Fans can expect more of what he’s always done: great music, with no apologies.
