In the vibrant music scene of London's early 1970s, Ronnie Wood's home, The Wick, was a beacon of creativity and collaboration. Wood, already a seasoned musician with the Faces, transformed his Georgian mansion into a hub for musical experimentation and innovation. This article delves into the fascinating story of how The Wick became a crucible for some of the era's most iconic music, with a particular focus on the creation of The Rolling Stones' 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It).'
Wood's account of The Wick is a captivating narrative of musical camaraderie and serendipitous creativity. The house, with its home studio, attracted a who's who of the music world, from established legends to up-and-coming talents. Wood's description of the atmosphere is vivid: 'a hub of vibes' where musicians would 'queue up down the stairs' to jam and collaborate. This was a time when the music industry was still very much about the organic, the impromptu, and the unexpected.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Wood's story is the role The Wick played in the creation of 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It).' The basic rhythm track for the song was recorded at The Wick, with Wood, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Willie Weeks, and Kenney Jones contributing. What makes this particularly fascinating is the serendipitous nature of the collaboration. Wood and Jagger worked on the song together, with Bowie providing backup vocals. The result was a demo that, in Wood's words, 'sounded like a good demo.'
However, the song's journey to its final form was not without its twists and turns. The demo was recorded in a rush, with Wood and Jagger working on a Tuesday evening and adding the overdubs the next night. The song was then refined further with the addition of Kenney Jones on drums. The final version, released on the Stones' 12th studio album, is a testament to the power of collaborative creativity and the magic that can happen in a room full of musicians.
The Wick's role in the creation of 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)' is a microcosm of the Stones' approach to music. The band has always been known for their willingness to experiment and collaborate, and The Wick provided the perfect setting for this. The song's creation is a reminder that music is not just about the final product, but also about the process and the people involved.
From my perspective, the story of The Wick and 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)' is a powerful reminder of the importance of creativity and collaboration in the music industry. It's a testament to the power of the organic and the unexpected, and a reminder that great music can come from anywhere, at any time. The Wick, with its rich history and musical legacy, is a symbol of the creative spirit that drives the music world forward.
In my opinion, the story of The Wick and the creation of 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)' is a fascinating insight into the music industry's past and a reminder of the enduring power of creativity and collaboration. It's a story that continues to inspire and captivate, and one that will undoubtedly continue to resonate with music lovers for years to come.
