Ronnie Wood Shares a Heartwarming Memory of Jimi Hendrix Praising His Bass Skills During a Jam with Jeff Beck
Ronnie Wood Reflects on Memorable Jam Sessions with Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix
Renowned guitarist Ronnie Wood recently reminisced about his experiences jamming with iconic musicians Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix. In a video posted to his official YouTube channel in November, Wood shared insights into his early career, including how Beck encouraged him to play bass.
At 78, Wood recounted the pivotal moments that led him to join the Rolling Stones. He recalled that it was Beck, after parting ways with the Yardbirds to form the Jeff Beck Group in 1967, who first suggested that Wood take on the bass role.
"I told Beck, ‘I love a challenge. I don’t mind it.’ So that’s when I went on to the bass," Wood stated, describing his enthusiasm for the new opportunity after a performance at London’s 100 Club.
As Wood and Beck ventured to the U.S., they often found themselves joined by Hendrix. Wood shared that the legendary guitarist frequently urged Jeff to let him take solos during their jam sessions. "He used to say to Jeff, ‘Hey Jeff, let the bass player have a solo,’" he recalled, highlighting the mutual respect and camaraderie among the musicians.
Wood expressed great pride in Hendrix’s praise of his bass playing, saying, "He loved my bass playing, so that was a feather in my cap." Their friendship extended beyond music; Wood reminisced about sharing a flat with Hendrix in Holland Park for several weeks during their early gigs, calling the experience "great fun."
Looking ahead, Wood mentioned the anticipation surrounding the upcoming release of new music from the Faces, a supergroup that includes members from the Small Faces and the Jeff Beck Group. As drummer Kenney Jones revealed in an April 2025 interview, the band is set to release its first album in 50 years, featuring about 11 tracks recorded at London’s RAK Studios. Jones added that musician Jools Holland would appear on one of the tracks, although he acknowledged that not all recordings would make it onto the album.
The blending of past experiences with current projects reflects Wood’s enduring passion for music and collaboration with fellow artists.
Jeff Beck and Ronnie Wood in December 2004 in London; Jimi Hendrix in 1966 in London.
Dave Benett/Getty; Cyrus Andrews/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Aynsley Dunbar, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood of the Jeff Beck Group in 1967.
Chris Walter/WireImage
