Rolling Stones Will Find Time To Record

The Rolling Stones will record new music just as soon as they can find the time, Ronnie Wood says.

He believes the band’s long-awaited 50th anniversary shows, followed by their 50 And Counting tour, have provided the impetus they needed to get back to work, and believes they’re at the top of their game.

Wood tells WZLX: “We’re having a ball – the shows are the best we’ve ever done. It’s a new lease of life. They’ve proved to be a kick in the pants for us. Not only can we do it – we’re better than ever.”

Asked about the chances of new material he says: “It takes so much time and effort to take this thing back on the road. We test ourselves in stages and this is the latest surge of energy. We’ve got the big wheels rolling now; we’ve just got to find the gaps to record.”

The band laid down two tracks last year as part of their anniversary releases, with one of those, Doom And Gloom, generally regarded as comparable to their classic era. Wood says: “They mix in well with the repertoire.”

Meanwhile, long-time Stones keyboardist and musical director Chuck Leavell also thinks the band are delivering some of their best-ever work.

The former Allman Brothers Band collaborator says: “It’s a little meaner, a little leaner – tougher and more in-your-face, and that’s how it should be.”

The Stones are due to headline the Glastonbury festival for the first time ever on June 29 – with negotiations continuing over how much of the set will be broadcast live by the BBC. They’ll also play Hyde Park on July 6 and 13.