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In 1968, Ronnie Wood turned down a band who went on to sell over 200,000,000 records. Seven years later, he proved himself right
In 1968, Ronnie Wood declined an offer to join The New Yardbirds, the group that became Led Zeppelin, saying he could not relate to its members. The decision meant missing out on a band that later became one of rock’s biggest acts, but the article argues Wood was better suited to the more collaborative role he eventually found with The Rolling Stones.
Wood was then playing with Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart, and manager Peter Grant was involved in the offer. Seven years later, in 1975, Wood joined The Rolling Stones; Keith Richards later praised how naturally they played together, describing Wood as a link between former guitarists Mick Taylor and Brian Jones. The article frames his choice as a chance to find a band where his musical instincts and style could develop.
In short
- Wood turned down The New Yardbirds, later known as Led Zeppelin.
- He joined The Rolling Stones in 1975.
- Keith Richards said Wood fitted naturally with the band.
Explained simply
The New Yardbirds was the name used by guitarist Jimmy Page’s group before it became Led Zeppelin. In 1968, Ronnie Wood was playing with Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart, and was offered a place in Page’s band by manager Peter Grant.
Led Zeppelin went on to become one of the best-known rock bands, while Wood later joined The Rolling Stones in 1975. The Stones already had a long history and a distinctive sound, with guitarists Keith Richards and Mick Taylor among their members. Wood’s move put him in a different musical partnership, one that Richards later said worked naturally.