Ron Wood: The rearview mirror of Mondo Sonoro

The rock legend Ron Wood has announced two concerts in our country with a band. They will be in Valladolid (September 10, San Lorenzo Festival) and in Barcelona (September 12, Cruïlla Tardor), with Imelda May as a guest star.

We take the opportunity to make him the protagonist of our rearview mirror:

The essential:

Gimme Some Neck (1979)
It seemed obvious that Wood’s first album was going to be here, “I’ve Got My Own Album To Do.” Just from the list of his collaborations with his friends Jagger and Richards, George Harrison, David Bowie and Rod Stewart there would be more than enough. But I have chosen their third album precisely for that reason. To avoid the obvious, and because they both seem equally good to me. In ““Gimme Some Neck” There are also the Glimmer Twins, who are joined by Charlie Watts to complete the Stone roster, and incidentally Bobby Keys and Ian McLagan (Faces). But the album is also very good. With those songs always halfway between rock and roll, blues, country or soul, with great songs like “Buried Alive” or “We All Get Old”. Those who know say that his first two solo works are better, more consistent. This one also blows my mind. And that cover, designed by the guitarist himself… Well, they caught me. And on top of that is the immeasurable version of “Seven Days” that Dylan gave him in 1975. What more could you ask for?

The rarity

Mad Lad: A Live Tribute to Chuck Berry (2019)
Signed as Ronnie Wood with His Wild Five and with collaborations such as that of Imelda May, who will also accompany him in concert, Wood includes the live recording at the Tivoli theater in Wimborne of ten of Chuck Berry’s own songs, the review of “Worried Life Blues” that the grumpy old man performed live, original by Maceo Merriweather, and the original written for the occasion “Tribute to Chuck Berry”. With all the sense in the world, in terms of paying homage to one of its great references, there is nothing on the album that particularly shines. It’s just fine. With another cover, by the way, painted by Ronnie himself. Our man got a taste for the topic, because two years later, in 2021, he would repeat the tribute formula live with guests in “Mr. Luck: A Tribute to Jimmy Reed. Live at the Royal Albert Hall” with more or less similar results.

The disappointment

Not for Beginners (2001)
Very limited distribution, something that made it go practically unnoticed but, on the other hand, it didn’t go badly either seeing the result. That way it was easier to forget it. After almost a decade without releasing anything on his own, Ronnie comes along and entrusts us with this insipid job that only very coffee-loving people (or Stonians) will find useful. Not even the participation of Dylan, who is around again, saves him. When the critics of the time point it out as endearing, pleasant or serene, we are going wrong. Participation of their children (mec!) and few of their own songs that are not instrumental. Too much time waiting to end the feeling of lack of inspiration with which we were left with thirteen songs that never reach the level of freshness to which we had always been accustomed. Everything is in its place. The musicians are competent and their performances impeccable, but it lacks soul completely.