In January 1974, the foundation of one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic albums was laid—not in a grand studio, but in the soundproofed basement of Ronnie Wood’s Richmond townhouse, The Wick. This Grade 1-listed Georgian mansion, steeped in history, became the unlikely backdrop for a days-long rock ‘n’ roll marathon fueled by camaraderie, creativity, and chaos.
Ronnie Wood’s Home: A Haven for Rock Royalty
At just 26, Ronnie Wood, then guitarist for The Faces and a frequent collaborator with Rod Stewart, had transformed The Wick into a personal paradise. Bought in 1971 with cash from Stewart’s chart-topping success, the house was more than just a home. Its basement had morphed into a makeshift recording studio, complete with guitars, pianos, drums, and even a pool table.
“I didn’t do it with any sort of plan,” Wood later recalled. “It started with somewhere to put my guitars, then a piano, pool table, some drums…”
A Rolling Stones Hit Born from Mayhem
The chaotic jam session that unfolded in The Wick wasn’t just a casual hangout. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood were joined by a rotating cast of A-list friends, turning the house into a whirlwind of debauchery and creativity. Wood had initially invited the group over to collaborate on his solo project, but the synergy quickly evolved into something more profound.
“We’d be up for days drinking, getting stoned, and making music,” Wood reminisced. Amidst the haze, musical magic took form. The Stones eventually funneled the energy of these sessions into their final album with their most potent line-up, immortalizing the spirit of those unforgettable days.
A Legacy Etched in Chaos and Creativity
The impromptu gatherings at The Wick epitomized the raw, unfiltered energy of the ‘70s rock scene. While it began as a solo project for Wood, it became a cornerstone moment for The Rolling Stones, showcasing the power of collaboration and the boundless creativity born from chaos.
Be the first to comment