In a rare and candid interview, rock icon Rod Stewart, now 80, has opened up about his long and often complicated friendship with fellow musician Ronnie Wood—a relationship that has spanned nearly sixty years, witnessed multiple reinventions, and survived the intense pressures of the music industry.

A Bond Born in the Wild Days of The Faces

Stewart and Wood first crossed paths in the late 1960s, when both joined the blues-rock band The Faces. It was during this period that their bond bega

“Ronnie’s always been like a cheeky little brother to me,” Stewart recalled, describing Wood’s unpredictable energy that kept the band—and Stewart himself—constantly on their toes. He credited Wood with helping transform tension into artistic breakthroughs, saying, “Ronnie kept me honest. And back then, trust me, I needed someone to do that.”

Creative Highs and Personal Lows

While the duo produced memorable music during their time together, the period was not without its darker moments. Stewart addressed Wood’s struggles with addiction, a battle that cast a shadow over parts of their career and friendship.

“There were times I didn’t know if Ronnie would make it to the next show,” he admitted. Despite the strain and uncertainty, their connection endured. Stewart emphasized that no matter how long they went without contact, the familiarity between them never faded: “The second we were in the same room, it was as if no time had passed.”

Career Paths Divide—but Respect Deepens

After The Faces disbanded, Wood’s career took a dramatic turn when he joined The Rolling Stones, solidifying his status as a global rock icon. Stewart revealed that he experienced mixed emotions at the time, including a sense of jealousy.

“Was I jealous? Of course I was. Who wouldn’t be?” he said, before adding quickly, “But I was proud too. Ronnie deserved that stage.”

The pair may have followed separate musical paths, but according to Stewart, their friendship only grew more meaningful as they aged and matured.

A Friendship That Has Outlasted Fame, Turbulence, and Time

Now, entering their later years, Stewart reflects on their shared history with a mix of humor and appreciation. “We grew up together, in a way. We went through things most people can’t imagine, and we survived it. That’s rare,” he said.

Today, their conversations are lighter, filled with the easy camaraderie of two musicians who have lived through both triumph and turmoil. Stewart joked, “Now we’re just a couple of old blokes who talk rubbish and crack each other up. Some things never change.”

An Enduring Brotherhood in Rock History

Rod Stewart’s recollections offer a glimpse into one of rock’s most enduring friendships—a partnership shaped by creativity, tested by hardship, and strengthened by time. In an industry often marked by fleeting alliances, the bond between Stewart and Wood stands out as a testament to loyalty and resilience.