The Rolling Stones: The Weirdest Pursuit of Guitar Greats

The saga of guitarists in The Rolling Stones is legendary. This article explores the fascinating journey of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood's appointments and how Mick Taylor was replaced in the band. Let's delve into this musical journey filled with remarkable moments and critical decisions.

Mick Taylor’s Departure and Keith Richards’ Rise

Mick Taylor, renowned for his tearaway solos and ethos, was a remarkable guitarist but had limitations within the Rolling Stones. His tenure as the lead guitarist lasted only a couple of years, from 1969 to 1974, until he left the band. Taylor's sudden exit left a void in the band's sound and you might wonder, who could be his replacement? The answer lies within the intricate dynamics of the band members and their creative processes.

Ron Wood: An Unexpected Candidate

Initially, Mick Jagger asked Ron Wood to join when the Faces were still ticking, but Wood courteously declined. However, later on, after The Faces broke up, the studio sessions featured guest guitarists, such as Ry Cooder and Wayne Perkins. Wood showed ample musical potential and fit well with the band's visual and sound aesthetics. However, the story of Ron Wood standing in for Mick Taylor isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

After Mick Taylor’s unplanned exit from The Rolling Stones, both Keith Richards and Mick Jagger took control. They decided to continue the band's legacy by writing all the music with Keith adding those essential riffs. However, Keith Richards had another trick up his sleeve: introducing Ronnie Wood into the mix.

Ron Wood’s Journey to the Band

Woody wasn’t just a chance replacement; Richard and Mick had been working with him for a while. The reunion with Ron Wood, the guitarist for The Faces, wasn’t a surprise, as you can see in the film shot on December 23, 1974, just days after Taylor announced his exit. It turned out to be The Faces' last show in the UK. The approach to this performance had a dash of the Faces' sound but the feel was clearly there, and it was positively received.

The Decision-Making Process

Keith initially felt Ron Wood's playing was too similar to his, which might not have played well with the band's unique sound. However, Mick Jagger and Ian Stewart convinced him otherwise, emphasizing Ron's potential. Soon enough, Wood joined the band as the new guitarist, bringing significant changes to the sound and feel of the band. Ian Stewart shared some insights in a 1976 interview, highlighting the pivotal moment when the band collectively decided on Ron Wood.

Joining the band wasn't the end of Ron Wood's journey. He became an integral part of the band's live performances and recorded numerous albums. His presence made a massive difference and gave the Stones a fresh perspective. By 1975, he had completed the 'It's Only Rock and Roll' tour and faced another dilemma of choosing between Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones. In the end, Wood chose to stay with the band, contributing to their later works and iconic sound.

Conclusion

The journey of Ron Wood into The Rolling Stones is a testament to the band's adaptability and resilience. The band's decision to bring him in was pivotal, as it not only preserved the legacy of Mick Taylor but also introduced a fresh element to their sound. From the early days of Wyman and Taylor, to the evolutions with Wood and Richards, The Rolling Stones have consistently evolved and thrived.

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Final Thoughts

The timeline of guitarist replacements in The Rolling Stones is filled with anecdotes of friendship, competition, and ultimate unity. From Ronnie Lane to Ron Wood, each guitarist added a unique flavor to the band's legendary sound. If you're a fan of rock music, the story of these guitar greats is a must-read.