Ronnie Wood at the Forum

Faces, The Jeff Beck Group, The Rolling Stones… for over half a century, two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ronnie Wood has been one of the most prominent names in the industry, needing almost no introduction. Following last year’s release of his career-spanning anthology Fearless, he takes the record on the road, marking his first solo run of live touring in over 15 years whilst accompanied by his band alongside singer and close friend Imelda May. Relatively speaking for the music veteran, it’s an intimate show and venue but still packed full of infectious energy; it’s a rare ticket to an iconic, electric showcase with nothing to prove and just plenty to kick back and enjoy.

The O2 Forum features a relaxed, refreshingly non-flashy setup with a simple red album cover backdrop and a triple-mic as he is joined by May and vocalist Chanel Haynes. The show starts with a Rolling Stone classic co-penned by Wood himself, It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It). As the groove gets going, the collective thought in the room must be that this is a rare ticket and privilege indeed. From the opener, it’s clear that age itself is irrelevant for an artist 79 years young: it’s a classy demonstration of showmanship, the riffs are tantalising, and staggeringly, there’s no slowing down for two full hours. Playing classic tracks through the years, there’s an impressive library with the addition of several covers: from Bob Dylan’s Seven Days to Chuck Berry’s Wee Wee Hours and Aretha Franklin’s Chain of Fools, it’s a feel-good jukebox from start to finish.

Wood indulges some big hitters from his own collection, such as You’re So Fine and unapologetically upbeat I Can Feel the Fire, but there’s no denying the shared joy and dancing every time a Rolling Stones song plays. Can’t You Hear Me Knocking has the audience swaying all the way to the bluesy midsection before the standout guitar solo. Another show highlight belongs to Faces hit Ooh La La and a wistful crowd singalong towards the end of the night. The addition of May and Haynes further adds thrilling layers of harmony and range, for example as a vocal sandwich on Mystifies Me, as well as Haynes’ perfect rendition of River Deep, Mountain High, but ultimately it also provides the ideal opportunity for Wood to take centre stage with his signature Fender Stratocaster.

Spanning over 20 songs and even going over the venue’s official curfew, this may not be the biggest gig of Wood’s career, but it will certainly have quenched many fans’ thirst for live music like this. The guitar solos look as effortless as breathing; in an industry of sometimes over-polished production, this is a breath of fresh air. Even with self-proclaimed “back catalogue” material amongst the classics, there’s never a dull moment. May ponders aptly, “Do you get the feeling we have a lot of fun up here?” And that’s exactly what this return is: seasoned performers having fun. That, and the album’s title Fearless, sum it up perfectly.

Bev Lung
Photos: Rob Blackman/Paul Dixon

For further information and future events, visit Ronnie Wood’s website here.

Watch the video for You’re So Fine here: