Live Chat with Ron, 10pm Eastern
Wednesday, February 4th, 1998



OnlineHost Copyright 1998 Virgin Records; licensed to America Online, Inc. Over the years, the Rolling Stones have demonstrated the unique
ability of first defining a genre and then transcending it. Albums such as Exile On Main St., Sticky Fingers and Goat's Head Soup were regarded as being both ahead of their time and timeless.
OnlineHost The Stones are currently on the last leg of their US tour in
support of their new album, Bridges To Babylon. Then they head to South America, Japan, and will be touring Europe in May.
OnlineHost Tonight we are joined by legendary Stones guitarist Ron Wood.
From the late-Sixties with Rod Stewart and The Faces, through his 20 years with the Stones, Ronnie has always been the guitarist's guitarist. Now, he's ready to take your questions about his part of the Bridge to Babylon. Live from San Diego, California, please welcome Ron Wood!
AOLiveMC14 Welcome to AOL Live, RON WOOD! We're glad you could join us
tonight!
RWoodLive Hi there, everyone.
Question Ron, you are such a talented artist -- your music and your
artwork! When you draw the Stones, do you have them pose or work from quick sketches? (I'm thrilled with the two I own - Mick II and Voodoo Lounge 4.)
RWoodLive It depends really on the situation in which I draw them.
Sometimes in the recording studio, when I have time, I draw them from life, but other times when I need a reference of them and they are not there, I obviously use a photograph.
Question Hi, Woody! As a long time fan, I'd like to know which recorded
track do you think showcases the entire bandís talents the best?
RWoodLive There are so many tracks to pick from, but I suppose "Saint Of
Me" is a pretty good overall example.
Question Is there a portrait that you have sketched that you are
particularly proud of?
RWoodLive There's one of Miles Davis in my forthcoming coffee table book
called "Wood on Canvas" and then subtitled "Every Picture Tells A Story," to be released soon.
Question What types of music do you listen to in your spare time?
RWoodLive Anything from Mozart to Mothers Of Invention.
Question Hey, Ron, what kind of mood are you in after a show?
RWoodLive Last night I was in a particularly good mood and I went straight
into designing the new Stones tour book for Japan and South America.
Question How do you feel the Stones have grown as artists since you joined
the band?
RWoodLive I think that we are playing the best we've ever played right
now. So, we always strive to improve.
Question Ron, how do you feel about all the current rockers that draw
their cover versions from your first solo LP, like Son Volt and Izzy Stradlin? By the way, Gilby Clarke says "hi," through me, your Beat Angels photographer.
RWoodLive I think it is a huge compliment.
Question Do the stones want to produce another album in the near future?
RWoodLive We have no immediate plans, but it wouldn't surprise me if we
did.
Question Ron, will anything ever become of all the talk of a Faces
reunion?
RWoodLive With my busy schedule as it has been over the last few years,
and still is, it's very hard to find a space to allot such an event. But we haven't counted it out. I know Rod, Mac, and Kenny are interested.
Question Hi Woody! Your lead guitar work always cuts right through. Can
you name your favorite 1 or 2 preamp boxes you use between guitar and amp? (Also, thanks for recording "Gimme Some Neck" -- you captured a great sound on that one!)
RWoodLive You will have to ask Chuch McGee, my guitar roadie for nearly 30
years, but I suppose the Vox AC 30 or the Mesa Boogie make pretty good pre amps.
Question Is there going to be a live album done of the Bridges Tour?
RWoodLive I don't know as yet, but we have recorded some wonderful shows
throughout the tour so far.
Question I am a huge fan of The Rolling Stones, and you are one of my all
time idols. I want to know, Ron Wood, what is the part about playing the guitar for so long that truly makes you happy to the core?
RWoodLive When those notes that you play come out even better than you had
hoped and the continual fact that I must play better each concert.
Question Ron, has Muddy Waters been much of an influence for you?
RWoodLive Yes, he always has, and always will be.
Question Will you ever retire, or just keep on playin' like John Lee
Hooker?
RWoodLive Definitely the latter.
Question Hello, Ron, loved Babylon. What do you suggest a beginner to
learn on, an electric or acoustical guitar? KALSLOUNGE
RWoodLive You can get some very moderately priced acoustic guitars.
That's what I would suggest starting on. But make sure the strings aren't too high on the neck.
Question What is the most important thing your painting has taught you
about music and versa vice?
RWoodLive My drawing and painting is something that only I control. My
music is playing part of a team.
Question What song made you first want to pick up a guitar?
RWoodLive Big Bill Broonzy, "Guitar Shuffle", an instrumental song from
the '50s.
Question Hey, Ron, which album was most difficult to record and why?
Please keep on playing -- your music transcends generations. My 9, 7, and 4 year olds like the Love U Live Album.
RWoodLive "Some Girls" because it spanned such a great length of time from
start to finish -- over a year.
Question What are the guitars you and Keith play backstage? I know
they're old and beautiful, but how old and how beautiful?
RWoodLive They are both semi-acoustic old Gibsons. Mine is a 1947 semi-
acoustic and Keith's is a 1957 semi-acoustic. Both Gibsons, and both beautiful.
Question Do you ever get over the fact that you ended up a Rolling Stone?
Does it still seem unreal some nights?
RWoodLive Yes, all the time!
Question Do you have a favorite country?
RWoodLive No, but the fact that I live between the London and Ireland
homes must have something to do with it.
Question Ron, would you consider a solo album or doing an album with
Charlie? It would work!
RWoodLive Yes, I have made albums in the past with Charlie -- "Give Me
Some Neck", "1-2-3-4" -- and I plan some more in the future.
Question What's yer favorite Stones album with you on it and yer favorite
Stones album before you joined the band? Also, what do you and Noel Gallagher talk about when you drink together?
RWoodLive With me, "Some Girls". Without me, "Begger's Banquet" and Noel
and I just talk about more drinks. And he sings the words to their new album down my ear at close range!
Question Hey, Ronnie, do you drink anything besides Guiness?
RWoodLive Funny you should say that --yes, vodka. Good-bye the tequila.
Question What do you enjoy about touring, and how does this tour differ
from earlier tours?
RWoodLive Touring is like being part of one big family. We are playing
better on this tour and in my opinion giving a better show, and a more satisfying set list.
Question Who do you like jamming with outside the band?
RWoodLive Bob Dylan, my son Jesse, and many new artists like Eddie Vedder,
Slash and Johnny Depp as well.
Question Ever think The New Barbarians would ever play again. I saw the
show at the Garden and I'll never forget it.
RWoodLive Did you like it? I think maybe one day the band may reappear
with a different personnel.
Question How does a band stay together and continue to be able to make
music for as long as you have?
RWoodLive There is some magic reason that we don't really know. Maybe
it's something to do with the fact that we all have such different personalities and lifestyles.
Question Ron, Tom from Oklahoma here. What do you do to relax -- I mean
hide from your fame. Don't you miss being "Joe" person?
RWoodLive Well, apart from painting and drawing, which is a good escape, I
do enjoy going to the local bar and I can blend in surprisingly in many different environments to watch the game, etc.
Question Any chance that "I Can Feel the Fire" will make it into a setlist
during the tour? TurnerPrpl
RWoodLive Funny you should say that -- many people ask me this. Maybe one
day.
Question What's your thoughts on all the lingerie being tossed this tour,
and what do you do with it after the shows?
RWoodLive I think its great -- keep it coming! We collect it and the
roadies now have 200 bras, and 180 pairs of knickers!
Question Ron, if you weren't a musician today, what would you be doing
with yourself? curious boos want to know...
RWoodLive I'd be a struggling artist.
Question Ron, do you have any pets?
RWoodLive Yes, two great danes -- one called Guinness, one called Chanel;
and two black and white sheep dogs, 3 cats, and ten race horses. And a rhino!
AOLiveMC14 LOL! :D
AOLiveMC1 No way! ;)
Question Mick and Keith are given credit for most of the Stones' songs.
How much input do you have on the music when they write the songs? Do they just come to you and say this is what you're going to play or do you yourself take part in creating the song?
RWoodLive As in "Dirty Work" album, Mick and Keith were at a low writing
ebb, and they gladly accepted my songs. But when they are firing on all cylinders, as they are now, they tend to have the whole song writing thing sewn up. And I use my extra song writing ideas channeled through my solo albums.
Question Where did you play you first gig with the Stones?
RWoodLive June 1, Baton Rouge, 1976. But before that on the flat bed
truck in New York City.
Question Ron, what is your goal in life?
RWoodLive To keep playing and painting better.
Question Saw the show here in Hawaii. It was fabulous. Did you enjoy
your stay here in the Islands?
RWoodLive Yes, my family Jo, Leah, and Tyrone loved it so much they want
me to buy a house there. I am considering it.
Question What is the biggest change you had to make, going from the Face's
to THE STONES?
RWoodLive Outfits!
Question Is this your last tour or can we expect to see you in DC in the
years to come for another great concert?
RWoodLive I hope so -- who knows.
Question Ron, please give us an idea of what goes on backstage during the
hour or so before you go on stage.
RWoodLive Make-up, loads of people cramming in our private space,
wardrobe, warming up with Keith, and revising the set list for that night.
Question Ron, you compliment Keith and the band beautifully. Being a
friend of Dylan's, was there any hope that he would join the band at the Madison Square Garden shows (which were outstanding)?
RWoodLive He did appear behind the amp line, just before we went over the
bridge. I had a little chat with him and he asked me what he was required to do and I said to him, "Don't go away, we might need you in a bit," and he disappeared.
Question What's your favorite album that you have worked on?
RWoodLive "Slide On This" that I made at home in my studio in Ireland.
Question Ronnie, is there a song you just never get tired of singing?
RWoodLive Yes, one of my songs, "Breathe On Me".
Question Is it hard living up to your bad boy image as you get older?
RWoodLivePeople say it is, but I don't necessarily agree.
Question I think you're a great artist in addition to being an integral
part of the world's greatest band. How can I get a hold of your art, be it in prints, books, etc.?
RWoodLive The San Francisco Art Exchange is one of my chief outlets.
Otherwise contact Nick Cowan in London 0171-228-2880.
Question Hi there, Ron, the San Francisco shows were great thanx man ...
you and Keith are the most unpretentious guys in rock'in roll. How do you keep your perspective about it all? And sorry you guys had to cancel in Toronto -- had tickets for that one too!
RWoodLive We realize we're not infallible and we always try to deliver the
music with our feet on the ground, and with a sense of humor.
Question How do you and Keith "weave" your guitars together so well?
RWoodLive Magic.
Question Ron, how can you play the guitar when itís so cold...like when
you played Norman, OK?
RWoodLive Sometimes the cold gets you to the bone, in your fingers, and I
try to thaw them out with little heat bags, or little back stage heat blowers.
Question Did you write "Black Limousine"?
RWoodLive Yes, and "No Use In Crying", "Everything's Turning To Gold,"
"Dance Parts 1 and 2."
Question During the crossover to the small stage, the band plays
Cannonball Adderly's "The Sticks". Whose version is it you're playing, or is this a new version the band has worked up for the tour?
RWoodLive It is a version selected by Charlie from his old collection.
Question Woody, what show so far, what event, has been the best to do?
RWoodLive The MTV 10 Spot, and the VH1 Fashion Awards, were kind of fun.
Question I saw you guys last night in San Diego -- you guys rocked! How
is it different playing in the rain?
RWoodLive It is always a fun challenge because you never know what's going
to happen next or if indeed you're going to slip over.
Question Will Stones ever record a "blues" album?
RWoodLive I thought that's what we always did?
Question Mr. Wood, first of all, love your voice. Second, what's next for
the Stones?
RWoodLive To finish the tour, which goes on to next September. Then I'm
going to continue with my solo project called, After School.
Question Are you happy with the musical direction the Stones are going?
RWoodLive Yes, very.
Question What was it like for you to play Madison Square Garden after not
playing there for 17 years?
RWoodLive It was a special event for us and we excelled at times.
AOLiveMC14 We have time for one last question from our audience tonight.
Question It must be hard to be on tour for such a long period of time.
Does your family mind when you are gone for so long?
RWoodLive No, because they, for the most part, are with me all the time. It's been nice speaking to you. I hope I can do this again real
soon. Love, Ronnie.
AOLiveMC14 Thanks for taking time out to chat with us tonight, RON WOOD!
We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Thanks also to our wonderful audience tonight!
AOLiveMC14 That's all for now, folks! Good night everyone!
OnlineHost Copyright 1998 Virgin Records; licensed to America Online, Inc.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
OnlineHost Copyright 1998 Virgin Records; licensed to America Online, Inc. Over the years, the Rolling Stones have demonstrated the unique
ability of first defining a genre and then transcending it. Albums such as Exile On Main St., Sticky Fingers and Goat's Head Soup were regarded as being both ahead of their time and timeless.
OnlineHost The Stones are currently on the last leg of their US tour in
support of their new album, Bridges To Babylon. Then they head to South America, Japan, and will be touring Europe in May.
OnlineHost Tonight we are joined by legendary Stones guitarist Ron Wood.
From the late-Sixties with Rod Stewart and The Faces, through his 20 years with the Stones, Ronnie has always been the guitarist's guitarist. Now, he's ready to take your questions about his part of the Bridge to Babylon. Live from San Diego, California, please welcome Ron Wood!
AOLiveMC14 Welcome to AOL Live, RON WOOD! We're glad you could join us
tonight!
RWoodLive Hi there, everyone.
Question Ron, you are such a talented artist -- your music and your
artwork! When you draw the Stones, do you have them pose or work from quick sketches? (I'm thrilled with the two I own - Mick II and Voodoo Lounge 4.)
RWoodLive It depends really on the situation in which I draw them.
Sometimes in the recording studio, when I have time, I draw them from life, but other times when I need a reference of them and they are not there, I obviously use a photograph.
Question Hi, Woody! As a long time fan, I'd like to know which recorded
track do you think showcases the entire band's talents the best?
RWoodLive There are so many tracks to pick from, but I suppose "Saint Of
Me" is a pretty good overall example.
Question Is there a portrait that you have sketched that you are
particularly proud of?
RWoodLive There's one of Miles Davis in my forthcoming coffee table book
called "Wood on Canvas" and then subtitled "Every Picture Tells A Story," to be released soon.
Question What types of music do you listen to in your spare time?
RWoodLive Anything from Mozart to Mothers Of Invention.
Question Hey, Ron, what kind of mood are you in after a show?
RWoodLive Last night I was in a particularly good mood and I went straight
into designing the new Stones tour book for Japan and South America.
Question How do you feel the Stones have grown as artists since you joined
the band?
RWoodLive I think that we are playing the best we've ever played right
now. So, we always strive to improve.
Question Ron, how do you feel about all the current rockers that draw
their cover versions from your first solo LP, like Son Volt and Izzy Stradlin? By the way, Gilby Clarke says "hi," through me, your Beat Angels photographer.
RWoodLive I think it is a huge compliment.
Question Do the stones want to produce another album in the near future?
RWoodLive We have no immediate plans, but it wouldn't surprise me if we
did.
Question Ron, will anything ever become of all the talk of a Faces
reunion?
RWoodLive With my busy schedule as it has been over the last few years,
and still is, it's very hard to find a space to allot such an event. But we haven't counted it out. I know Rod, Mac, and Kenny are interested.
Question Hi Woody! Your lead guitar work always cuts right through. Can
you name your favorite 1 or 2 preamp boxes you use between guitar and amp? (Also, thanks for recording "Gimme Some Neck" -- you captured a great sound on that one!)
RWoodLive You will have to ask Chuch McGee, my guitar roadie for nearly 30
years, but I suppose the Vox AC 30 or the Mesa Boogie make pretty good pre amps.
Question Is there going to be a live album done of the Bridges Tour?
RWoodLive I don't know as yet, but we have recorded some wonderful shows
throughout the tour so far.
Question I am a huge fan of The Rolling Stones, and you are one of my all
time idols. I want to know, Ron Wood, what is the part about playing the guitar for so long that truly makes you happy to the core?
RWoodLive When those notes that you play come out even better than you had
hoped and the continual fact that I must play better each concert.
Question Ron, has Muddy Waters been much of an influence for you?
RWoodLive Yes, he always has, and always will be.
Question Will you ever retire, or just keep on playin' like John Lee
Hooker?
RWoodLive Definitely the latter.
Question Hello, Ron, loved Babylon. What do you suggest a beginner to
learn on, an electric or acoustical guitar? KALSLOUNGE
RWoodLive You can get some very moderately priced acoustic guitars.
That's what I would suggest starting on. But make sure the strings aren't too high on the neck.
Question What is the most important thing your painting has taught you
about music and versa vice?
RWoodLive My drawing and painting is something that only I control. My
music is playing part of a team.
Question What song made you first want to pick up a guitar?
RWoodLive Big Bill Broonzy, "Guitar Shuffle", an instrumental song from
the '50s.
Question Hey, Ron, which album was most difficult to record and why?
Please keep on playing -- your music transcends generations. My 9, 7, and 4 year olds like the Love U Live Album.
RWoodLive "Some Girls" because it spanned such a great length of time from
start to finish -- over a year.
Question What are the guitars you and Keith play backstage? I know
they're old and beautiful, but how old and how beautiful?
RWoodLive They are both semi-acoustic old Gibsons. Mine is a 1947
semi-acoustic and Keith's is a 1957 semi-acoustic. Both Gibsons, and both beautiful.
Question Do you ever get over the fact that you ended up a Rolling Stone?
Does it still seem unreal some nights?
RWoodLive Yes, all the time!
Question Do you have a favorite country?
RWoodLive No, but the fact that I live between the London and Ireland
homes must have something to do with it.
Question Ron, would you consider a solo album or doing an album with
Charlie? It would work!
RWoodLive Yes, I have made albums in the past with Charlie -- "Give Me
Some Neck", "1-2-3-4" -- and I plan some more in the future.
Question What's yer favorite Stones album with you on it and yer favorite
Stones album before you joined the band? Also, what do you and Noel Gallagher talk about when you drink together?
RWoodLive With me, "Some Girls". Without me, "Begger's Banquet" and Noel
and I just talk about more drinks. And he sings the words to their new album down my ear at close range!
Question Hey, Ronnie, do you drink anything besides Guiness?
RWoodLive Funny you should say that --yes, vodka. Good-bye the tequila.
Question What do you enjoy about touring, and how does this tour differ
from earlier tours?
RWoodLive Touring is like being part of one big family. We are playing
better on this tour and in my opinion giving a better show, and a more satisfying set list.
Question Who do you like jamming with outside the band?
RWoodLive Bob Dylan, my son Jesse, and many new artists like Eddie Vedder,
Slash and Johnny Depp as well.
Question Ever think The New Barbarians would ever play again. I saw the
show at the Garden and I'll never forget it.
RWoodLive Did you like it? I think maybe one day the band may reappear
with a different personnel.
Question How does a band stay together and continue to be able to make
music for as long as you have?
RWoodLive There is some magic reason that we don't really know. Maybe
it's something to do with the fact that we all have such different personalities and lifestyles.
Question Ron, Tom from Oklahoma here. What do you do to relax -- I mean
hide from your fame. Don't you miss being "Joe" person?
RWoodLive Well, apart from painting and drawing, which is a good escape, I
do enjoy going to the local bar and I can blend in surprisingly in many different environments to watch the game, etc.
Question Any chance that "I Can Feel the Fire" will make it into a setlist
during the tour? TurnerPrpl
RWoodLive Funny you should say that -- many people ask me this. Maybe one
day.
Question What's your thoughts on all the lingerie being tossed this tour,
and what do you do with it after the shows?
RWoodLive I think its great -- keep it coming! We collect it and the
roadies now have 200 bras, and 180 pairs of knickers!
Question Ron, if you weren't a musician today, what would you be doing
with yourself? curious boos want to know...
RWoodLive I'd be a struggling artist.
Question Ron, do you have any pets?
RWoodLive Yes, two great danes -- one called Guinness, one called Chanel;
and two black and white sheep dogs, 3 cats, and ten race horses. And a rhino!
AOLiveMC14 LOL! :D
AOLiveMC1 No way! ;)
Question Mick and Keith are given credit for most of the Stones' songs.
How much input do you have on the music when they write the songs? Do they just come to you and say this is what you're going to play or do you yourself take part in creating the song?
RWoodLive As in "Dirty Work" album, Mick and Keith were at a low writing
ebb, and they gladly accepted my songs. But when they are firing on all cylinders, as they are now, they tend to have the whole song writing thing sewn up. And I use my extra song writing ideas channeled through my solo albums.
Question Where did you play you first gig with the Stones?
RWoodLive June 1, Baton Rouge, 1976. But before that on the flat bed
truck in New York City.
Question Ron, what is your goal in life?
RWoodLive To keep playing and painting better.
Question Saw the show here in Hawaii. It was fabulous. Did you enjoy
your stay here in the Islands?
RWoodLive Yes, my family Jo, Leah, and Tyrone loved it so much they want
me to buy a house there. I am considering it.
Question What is the biggest change you had to make, going from the Face's
to THE STONES?
RWoodLive Outfits!
Question Is this your last tour or can we expect to see you in DC in the
years to come for another great concert?
RWoodLive I hope so -- who knows.
Question Ron, please give us an idea of what goes on backstage during the
hour or so before you go on stage.
RWoodLive Make-up, loads of people cramming in our private space,
wardrobe, warming up with Keith, and revising the set list for that night.
Question Ron, you compliment Keith and the band beautifully. Being a
friend of Dylan's, was there any hope that he would join the band at the Madison Square Garden shows (which were outstanding)?
RWoodLive He did appear behind the amp line, just before we went over the
bridge. I had a little chat with him and he asked me what he was required to do and I said to him, "Don't go away, we might need you in a bit," and he disappeared.
Question What's your favorite album that you have worked on?
RWoodLive "Slide On This" that I made at home in my studio in Ireland.
Question Ronnie, is there a song you just never get tired of singing?
RWoodLive Yes, one of my songs, "Breathe On Me".
Question Is it hard living up to your bad boy image as you get older?
RWoodLivePeople say it is, but I don't necessarily agree.
Question I think you're a great artist in addition to being an integral
part of the world's greatest band. How can I get a hold of your art, be it in prints, books, etc.?
RWoodLive The San Francisco Art Exchange is one of my chief outlets.
Otherwise contact Nick Cowan in London 0171-228-2880.
Question Hi there, Ron, the San Francisco shows were great thanx man ...
you and Keith are the most unpretentious guys in rock'in roll. How do you keep your perspective about it all? And sorry you guys had to cancel in Toronto -- had tickets for that one too!
RWoodLive We realize we're not infallible and we always try to deliver the
music with our feet on the ground, and with a sense of humor.
Question How do you and Keith "weave" your guitars together so well?
RWoodLive Magic.
Question Ron, how can you play the guitar when it's so cold...like when
you played Norman, OK?
RWoodLive Sometimes the cold gets you to the bone, in your fingers, and I
try to thaw them out with little heat bags, or little back stage heat blowers.
Question Did you write "Black Limousine"?
RWoodLive Yes, and "No Use In Crying", "Everything's Turning To Gold,"
"Dance Parts 1 and 2."
Question During the crossover to the small stage, the band plays
Cannonball Adderly's "The Sticks". Whose version is it you're playing, or is this a new version the band has worked up for the tour?
RWoodLive It is a version selected by Charlie from his old collection.
Question Woody, what show so far, what event, has been the best to do?
RWoodLive The MTV 10 Spot, and the VH1 Fashion Awards, were kind of fun.
Question I saw you guys last night in San Diego -- you guys rocked! How
is it different playing in the rain?
RWoodLive It is always a fun challenge because you never know what's going
to happen next or if indeed you're going to slip over.
Question Will Stones ever record a "blues" album?
RWoodLive I thought that's what we always did?
Question Mr. Wood, first of all, love your voice. Second, what's next for
the Stones?
RWoodLive To finish the tour, which goes on to next September. Then I'm
going to continue with my solo project called, After School.
Question Are you happy with the musical direction the Stones are going?
RWoodLive Yes, very.
Question What was it like for you to play Madison Square Garden after not
playing there for 17 years?
RWoodLive It was a special event for us and we excelled at times.
AOLiveMC14 We have time for one last question from our audience tonight.
Question It must be hard to be on tour for such a long period of time.
Does your family mind when you are gone for so long?
RWoodLive No, because they, for the most part, are with me all the time. It's been nice speaking to you. I hope I can do this again real
soon. Love, Ronnie.
AOLiveMC14 Thanks for taking time out to chat with us tonight, RON WOOD!
We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Thanks also to our wonderful audience tonight!
AOLiveMC14 That's all for now, folks! Good night everyone!
OnlineHost Copyright 1998 Virgin Records; licensed to America Online, Inc.