Matt Sorum
Matt Sorum, West Hollywood, CA on March 1, 2012
Background information
Birth name	Matthew William Sorum
Born	(1960-11-19) November 19, 1960 (age 51) in present-day Mission Viejo, California, U.S.
Genres	Hard rock, heavy metal, blues rock, alternative rock
Occupations	Drummer, musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments	Drums, percussion, guitar
Years active	1975–present
Labels	Atlantic, Geffen, RCA, Maverick, Warner Bros.
Associated acts	Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, Camp Freddy, The Cult, Neurotic Outsiders, Slash's Snakepit, Hawk, Y Kant Tori Read, Johnny Crash
Website	mattsorum.tv

Matthew William Sorum (born November 19, 1960) is an American rock drummer and percussionist. Sorum is most famous for his 7-year stint in Guns N' Roses (1990–1997) and supergroup Velvet Revolver (2002–present), which is comprised in part of former Guns N' Roses members Duff McKagan (bass) and Slash (lead guitar). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns N' Roses in 2012.^[1]

Biography[link]

1960-1989: Early career[link]

Matt Sorum was born Matthew William Sørum, on November 19, 1960, in the present-day city of Mission Viejo, California. His parents were of English and Norwegian descent. In his first couple of years in high school, Sorum was part of the Mission Viejo Marching Bands drum section. Sorum started out in Mission Viejo as a local hot musician in 1975. Wearing trademark "Union Flag" shorts and nothing else, he used to pound a huge acrylic drumset and overpower his first band "Prophecy", where he and lead singer / guitarist, Jeff Harris (guitarist for the J. Harris Band and later guitarist for funk band Slapbak), stood out and the rest of the band just disappeared. A local songwriter, Stephen Douglas, pulled him from the band and joined him with other talented musicians in the area to form "Chateau", a wall-of-sound band with grandiose themes and sounds in their songs. Chateau played the Hollywood circuit, appearing at Gazzarri's and almost getting into a fight with the original members of the band Ratt, which at the time was known as "Mickey Ratt".^{[citation needed]}

Sorum's work with Chateau produced a four song set that was covered by local radio stations for a short time, but the music scene changed from grandiose rock to punk and alternative new wave music. Sorum left and went to Hollywood to play with a series of bands, including "Population Five", with the bassist Prescott Niles from The Knack, . He then left on a tour around the country with a blues guitarist, playing nightclubs and bars.

In 1988, he was recruited to play on the debut album of Y Kant Tori Read, a band fronted by a then unknown Tori Amos. In the wake of that project, he joined The Cult as their live drummer for the 1989 tour in support of Sonic Temple.

1990-1997: Guns N' Roses[link]

In 1989 Slash saw Sorum live with The Cult on their Sonic Temple tour and, shortly after, Sorum joined Guns N' Roses as Steven Adler's replacement.

Sorum with Guns N' Roses can be heard on Use Your Illusion I, Use Your Illusion II (excluding the track "Civil War"), "The Spaghetti Incident?", the 1994 cover of the Rolling Stones track "Sympathy for the Devil" and the majority of Live Era: '87-'93. Sorum featured fully on the lengthy Use Your Illusion Tour, drumming on all of the 194 shows, 9 legs and to over 7 million fans.

In 1995 with Slash and Gilby Clarke he formed Slash's Snakepit and drummed on their debut album It's Five O'Clock Somewhere. Sorum also lent his drumming skills in the theme song for the 1995 20th Century Fox film, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. In the same year Matt formed the supergroup Neurotic Outsiders, which featured bandmate Duff McKagan where they released their only album, self titled Neurotic Outsiders. John Taylor (Duran Duran) and Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) also participated on this album, and toured. Early performances featured guest spots by Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran), Slash, and Billy Idol.

In 1997 he was fired from Guns N' Roses by Axl Rose after defending departed lead guitarist Slash in an argument with Rose and Paul Tobias. In 1998, he released his first and only drum instructional video (Drum Licks and Tricks from the Rock n Roll Jungle) demonstrating his techniques. In 2001 Matt joined The Cult once again and featured on their album, Beyond Good And Evil, which he spent most of 2001 touring in support of.

In April 2006, nine years after leaving Guns N' Roses, Sorum re-established his friendship with the band's frontman Axl Rose.^[2]

2002-present: Velvet Revolver[link]

In 1999, Sorum reunited with Slash and McKagan to promote a concert for the independent film Soundman (written and directed by Steven Ho) at the Slamdance Film Festival. Sorum had composed the film with Lanny Cordola and Michael Stearns.^[3][4][5] Realizing that they still had chemistry together, they formed a new band called Velvet Revolver with former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland and rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner. After the 2004 release of their debut album Contraband, they embarked on a worldwide tour that continued through December 2005. In August 2005, Sorum broke his wrist in a boating accident, stalling the tour temporarily. While recovering from the wrist injury the drummer Brian Tichy and Mark Schulman filled in for him.

After taking some time off in 2006, Sorum and the rest of the band returned to the studio in December to record Libertad, Velvet Revolver's second album, which was released on July 3, 2007. Sorum toured with Velvet Revolver until singer Weiland parted ways with the band on April 1, 2008.

Other ventures[link]

In addition to those projects Sorum released his first solo album entitled Hollywood Zen, in 2003. The album, available through his website, was a musical statement about his life, touring, relationships, etc. In the same year, Sorum also began playing with newly formed Camp Freddy. In 1994, Sorum was one of many guest drummers on the album, "Burning for Buddy: A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Rich". Playing with the Buddy Rich Big Band, Sorum was able to display his skill and finnesse as a jazz drummer.

In addition, Sorum has endorsed Zildjian cymbals for the past 18 years and has featured in numerous sweepstakes with Zildjian. In 2006, Sorum began guest recording in his studio with a new project, called Circus Diablo. That year, he also launched a clothing line, SorumNoce.

On June 4, 2008, Sorum revealed Camp Freddy is working on an album.^[6]

Matt has also lent his talents to Submersible Music's DrumCore software.

Sorum was featured in episode 54 of the television program LA Ink originally airing on August 27, 2009. On the program Kat Von D. tattoos a portrait of his girlfriend Ace on his leg.

Matt filled in for Mikkey Dee as drummer on Motörhead's 2009 US tour. Dee took part in Kändisdjungeln, a Swedish version of I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!.

After performing together at the "Giving 2010" benefit event on May 3, 2010,^[7] Sorum formed the cover band "Carnival of Dogs" with Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns, formerly of Brides of Destruction), Franky Perez (Solo, Scars on Broadway, DKFXP) and Phil Soussan (formerly of Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol and Vince Neil).^[8]

He made an appearance on FSN Sport Science, where it was tested if a professional basketball point guard had faster hands than a drummer. The drummer was Sorum.

Endorsements[link]

Sorum has endorsed a number of drum companies over the last 20 years, with these being Yamaha Drums, Mapex, Drum Workshop and Ludwig. He also has used Zildjian cymbals over the last 26 years. His Drum kit and Cymbals are as following

• 24"x14 Bass Drum
• 14"x6 Snare
• 13"x10 Rack Tom
• 16"x16 Floor Tom
• 18"x16 Floor Tom

Cymbals: Zildjian

• 15" Rock Hi-Hats
• 18" Medium Crash
• 19" Rock Crash
• 19" Rock Crash
• 22" Medium Ride
• 20" Medium Crash
• 21" China Boy Low

Sorum was one of the first drummers to endorse the Easton Ahead sticks in the early 90s during the Guns N' Roses Use Your Illusion Tour, sticks which are now used by many famous drummers, including Lars Ulrich of Metallica, and Tico Torres of Bon Jovi. Now, he uses his own Zildjian Matt Sorum Signature wood sticks.

Discography[link]

Studio albums

• Hollywood Zen (2004)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Matt Sorum on Myspace

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2010)

The Guns are a four-piece rock band from South Wales. The current line-up consists of Alex Wiltshire (vocals and guitar), Adam Turner (lead guitar), Tom Coburn (bass guitar) and Chris 'Stix' Davies (drums). The band have stated that they would like to remain independent^[1] and have turned down numerous record deals as a result of that. As of 2012, The Guns have released two EPs, and two albums.

History[link]

Early years (2005 - 2007)[link]

After the once popular South Wales band When Reason Sleeps, which contained the frontman for fellow Welsh band The Blackout, Sean Smith, broke up, lead singer Alex Wiltshire set out and recruited Adam Turner on lead guitar, Tom Coburn on bass guitar, and Kob on drums. The Guns were formed, and after a small amount of gigs, they were asked by Pontypridd band Lostprophets to support them during their Liberation Transmission tour, The Guns accepted the offer and went on to play on the main stage at The Full Ponty 2007. Also, during this period The Guns had started work on their debut album With The Guns, and had released a self-titled 3 track CD available through their Myspace and at gigs.

With The Guns (2007 - 2009)[link]

After touring with Lostprophets, the band worked on With The Guns (produced by Richard Emanuel at The Lodge Productions studio), and in late 2008, shortly after completion of With The Guns, Andrew Robinson left the band and in early 2009, Michael Leigh Gregory was recruited to replace Robinson on drums. With The Guns was released on iTunes on 17 July 2009. The album was released independently by The Guns.

Fuck The Demon Outta Me (2011 - Present)[link]

The Guns began work on their follow-up album in 2008, and the band announced on their Myspace page the title of their next album, If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It. They soon began touring, playing many shows, including their first Cardiff show in over a year, and shows with The Blackout, Funeral For A Friend, Bowling For Soup and CKY. In early 2010, Michael Lee Gregory was replaced by Rhian Williams and the band's music video for "Gordon's And Lemonade" began to appear on UK music channel, Lava TV. The Guns released the single "Treacle & Pie" on iTunes on 28 June 2010, with pre-order sales getting it to #58 after just its third day of availability. On November 21 2011, The Guns released the now renamed "Fuck The Demon Outta Me" on iTunes, with 200 hand numbered physical copies made available through their bigcartel store. The first single featured on the album is "Missing Girls", a music video for which was released through the band's official website.

Media interest[link]

The Guns have attracted frequent interest from the media, including four appearances on ITV 1's The Guestlist. Music magazines Kerrang! and Rock Sound have been following The Guns' progress during records, as well as live performances, and have given positive feedback about the band. The Guns also have given interviews and received articles in newspapers including Metro and the Western Mail. It was in the Western Mail that it was reported The Guns are currently being filmed for a documentary or possibly a film which has been pitched to UK television channels Channel 4 and MTV, although no further details have been revealed.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• The Guns (2006)

1. No No Know
2. Überwoman
3. Colder

• With The Guns (2009)

1. It's On Like Donkey Kong
2. No No Know
3. You Can Eff Right Off
4. Kings And Queens
5. Better Off Walking
6. Gordon's And Lemonade
7. North Or South
8. Überwoman
9. Third Strike
10. This Old House
11. Listen Up
12. A Year And Two Studios Ago

• Treacle & Pie (2010)

1. Treacle & Pie
2. Colder (Live)
3. No No Know (Acoustic)
4. Sometimes (Acoustic)

• Fuck The Demon Outta Me

1. Daughter Of A Bad Man
2. All Aboard
3. Treacle And Pie
4. Answers
5. Voodoo Boogie
6. You Drive And I'll Eat This
7. Missing Girls
8. Moan Kill You To
9. Nighty Night Creepin'
10. Stranger Than You

Singles[link]

• "Gordon's And Lemonade" [taken from the album With The Guns] (2009)
• "It's On Like Donkey Kong" [taken from the album With The Guns] (2010)
• "Treacle & Pie" (2010)
• "Missing Girls" [taken from the album Fuck The Demon Outta Me] (2011)

Videos[link]

• "Gordon's And Lemonade" [taken from the album With The Guns] (2009)
• "It's On Like Donkey Kong" [taken from the album With The Guns] (2010)
• "Missing Girls" [taken from the album Fuck The Demon Outta Me] (2011)

References[link]

External links[link]

• The Guns official website

• [1]

A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly neutral point of view. Please discuss further on the talk page. (March 2012)

Steel Panther
Michael Starr (left) and Lexxi Foxxx (center) performing with Steel Panther in San Diego.
Background information
Also known as	Danger Kitty Metal Shop Metal Skool
Origin	Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres	Glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock, comedy rock[1]
Years active	2000–present
Labels	Universal Republic
Associated acts	L.A. Guns, Fight
Website	www.steelpantherrocks.com
Members
Michael Starr Satchel Lexxi Foxxx Stix Zadinia

Steel Panther is a band from Los Angeles, California mostly known for their profane and humorous lyrics as well as their exaggerated on-stage personas that reimagine and parody the glam metal music and lifestyle of the 1980s. Formed in 2000, the band has formerly been known as Danger Kitty, Metal Shop and Metal Skool. Steel Panther is one of the most popular bands out of Hollywood since Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses and Poison were the main focus the Sunset Strip in the mid to late 1980's. Arriving in 2009 with debut album Feel The Steel, hailed by Kerrang! magazine as “close to perfect”, Steel Panther has won a legion of fans across the world. And now the band is aiming even higher with second album Balls Out.

The band broke through the mainstream success with their 2009 album Feel the Steel, especially with the single "Death to All but Metal". "The Aldo Nova song "Fantasy" was remade by the band into a faster paced song for the MTV original series Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. The remake was released on iTunes on December 8, 2009 and their album Feel the Steel was released in June 2009.

Biography[link]

Metal Skool[link]

The quartet began to gain popularity in the Sunset Strip during the early 2000's under the name Metal Shop (soon changed into Metal Skool, then into Steel Panther). Their lineup consists of vocalist Ralph Saenz ("Michael Starr"), drummer Darren Leader ("Stix Zadinia"), bassist Travis Haley ("Lexxi Foxxx"), and guitarist Russ Parrish ("Satchel").^[1] The band did weekly shows on Monday nights at the Viper Room, playing covers of 1980s hair metal hits while parodying the bands that made the songs famous. Despite presenting themselves under different stage names, two members of the band were already in other heavy metal acts. Frontman Michael Starr, using his name Ralph Saenz, had been in glam metal band L.A. Guns^[2] between 1997 and 1998, publishing the 6 tracks EP Wasted. Before this, Saenz was the frontman of a Van Halen tribute band called Atomic Punks.^[3] Guitarist Satchel was part of War & Peace, founded by ex Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson^[4] and the band Fight, founded by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford.^[5][6] He was also a member of Atomic Punks together with Saenz. Years before, he played in the band Electric Fence with Racer X members Paul Gilbert and Jeff Martin.^[2]

The band, under the name Danger Kitty, published in 2002 the promotional single "Love Rocket".^[2] Steel Panther jokingly claims to be a glam metal band which had failed to gain mainstream success during the '80s.^[1] This is why their official biography claims they have been active since 1988.^[7] Thanks to the use of hair-sprayed looks, leather jackets and zebra spandex and to their experience in the Van Halen tribute band, they finally managed to gain some success.^[1] In 2003 Steel Panther published Hole Patrol,^[2] their auto-produced debut. The band appeared in a Discover Card advertisement as Danger Kitty and in the sitcom Drew Carey Show as themselves. Also in 2003, their song "Death to All But Metal" was included in a compilation CD called Hey, That's What I Call Sludge! Vol. 1 put out by the Metal Sludge web site. Their cover of the song "Fantasy" by Aldo Nova was used as the opening musical theme for the MTV program Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. On November 27, 2007 Metal Skool played original songs as well as covers of KISS songs at the Gene Simmons roast, they can be seen in the background of Gene Simmons' reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels. That year, they also appeared as themselves on Las Vegas in the episode "The High Price of Gas".^[8]

Steel Panther[link]

In April 2008 the band decided to change their name from Metal Skool to Steel Panther, making a new debut at The Rockin' Saddle Club in Redlands, California.^[2] In May 2008, the band signed a contract with Republic Records (owned by record label Universal Records) announcing plans for a new studio album.^[1] The first single, an updated version of "Death to All but Metal", first appeared on iTunes on 27 January 2009, whereas the album, entitled Feel the Steel and produced by Jay Ruston, was published on 9 June, during the same year.^[2] A promotional video, directed by actor Dean Cameron, was shot for the song "Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)".

Thanks to their increased popularity their live performances began to be attended by a growing number of fans.^[1] Some celebrities also appeared on stage during their concerts, including Criss Angel, Kenny Loggins, Paul Stanley, Kip Winger, Corey Taylor, David Draiman, Hal Sparks, David Bryan, Vince Neil, Sebastian Bach, Tony Romo, Dane Cook, Chris Jericho, Corey Feldman, Evan Seinfeld, Tera Patrick, Sully Erna, Drew Carey, Mike Starr, Chad Kroeger, Ryan Cabrera, Jerry Cantrell, Justin Hawkins, Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Key, Phil Anselmo, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom Morello, P!nk, Scott Ian, Justin Parks, M Shadows and Avril Lavigne in February 2009.^[2] Steel Panther succeeded in becoming one of the most popular cover bands in California, winning the contest of "Best Tribute Band in the Universe".^[2] After a several month run at the House of Blues Sunset Strip, Steel Panther returned to its weekly Monday night shows at the Key Club in Hollywood.

According to a recent interview with RockSource360, the band is currently recording songs for their next album. They performed their new song "Critter" at the UK Ozzfest 2010 and have posted footage of rehearsals in the studio for a new song, under the working title of "If You Really, Really, Really Love Me." In December 2010 their website offered a free download of their new Christmas song "Sexy Santa". In January 2011 Michael Starr confirmed the songs, "Tigerwoods", "Tongue Punch in the Fart Box", "Summertime", "I Like Drugs", "Supersonic Sex Machine", "Do You Wanna Do Me" and "17 Girls in a Row" for the new album in 2011.

Lexxi Foxxx mentioned that guests on the new Steel Panther record would be Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Gene Simmons (KISS), Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), and Scott Ian (Anthrax).

In July, 2011, Steel Panther wrote on their Facebook page "IT'S CUMMING! ROCKTOBER 18TH!", and their YouTube page "COCKTOBER 18TH" which implied that the new album would be released on October 18, 2011. The release date was later pushed back to October 31. Soon after, Michael Starr wrote on the Steel Panther app that the new album would be called Balls Out.

On August 22, 2011, they released a single from Balls Out titled "If You Really Really Love Me".

On August 27, 2011, Freddie Wong released a YouTube video homage to the Crossfire board game which featured Steel Panther covering the Crossfire theme.

On October 14th, 2011, the band played a pre-show for the inaugural 48 Hours Festival in Las Vegas. The show was hosted by David Draiman.

Sometime collaborator Dean Cameron, also credited with co-writing "Supersonic Sex Machine" on "Balls Out", directed and co-wrote a pilot presentation in an attempt to land Steel Panther their own television program.

On December 6, 2011, Steel Panther announced their second solo UK tour in support of their newest album Balls Out. The band are set to play at the O2 Academy Birmingham (March 27, 2012), O2 Academy Glasgow (March 28, 2012), Manchester Academy (March 30, 2012), O2 Academy Brixton (March 31, 2012). Tickets for the shows went on sale on December 9, 2011, with many ticket providers selling out their allocations within a month.

Steel Panther will be playing on the main stage at the Download Festival in June 2012.^[9]

History[link]

[edit] Feel The Steel (2009)–(2010)

Steel Panther released their major record label debut (Universal Republic), Feel the Steel on June 8, 2009 in the UK and on October 6, 2009 in North America. Feel the Steel debuted at #1 on the Billboard Comedy chart, #123 on the Billboard 200 chart and would eventually peak at #98 on the Billboard 200 chart. The record features hit singles, Community Property and Death To All But Metal as well as notable guest performances from Corey Taylor (vocals), Justin Hawkins (vocals), and M. Shadows (vocals).

The record's success also caught the attention of the Grammys, making it onto the "Best Comedy Album" ballot in October 2010, yet failing to reach a nomination.

The track Eyes of a Panther from Feel the Steel is featured on the sound track for the video game Skate 3.

[edit] Balls Out (2011)–(present)

Steel Panther continued their revival of the 80's heavy metal genre with their sophomore effort titled Balls Out released through major record label, Universal Republic on October 31, 2011 in the UK and on November 1, 2011 in North America. Balls Out debuted at #1 on the UK iTunes Rock chart surpassing Megadeth's TH1RT3EN and Lou Reed's and Metallica's Lulu. Balls Out also debuted at #4 on the US iTunes Rock chart, #40 on the Billboard 200 chart and at #1 on the Billboard Comedy chart with first-week sales of 12,000 copies in the US.

Tours[link]

UK Arena tour w/Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe[link]

Due to their growing popularity, Steel Panther were invited by Def Leppard to join them and co-headliners Mötley Crüe as "Special Guests" on the Mirrorball Tour tour in December 2011.

Steel Panther opened for Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe on the following dates:

• December 6, 2011 - Birmingham, UK at LG Arena
• December 8, 2011 - Nottingham, UK at FM Arena
• December 9, 2011 - Glasgow, UK at SECC Hall 4
• December 11, 2011 - Manchester, UK at MEN Arena
• December 13, 2011 - Sheffield, UK at Arena
• December 14, 2011 - London, UK at Wembley Arena

The Forum w/Guns N' Roses[link]

Exactly one week after ending the UK arena tour in London with Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe, Steel Panther opened for Guns N' Roses at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA on December 21, 2011.

Soundwave/Revolution[link]

On May 11, 2011 Steel Panther announced that they would be playing the main stage (same stage as Van Halen) at Soundwave Revolution, however, the spin-off festival would be canceled due to poor ticket sales. In fact, drummer Stix Zadinia was responsible for breaking the story via his Twitter account on August 9: "Soundwave revolution is cancelled. I am bummed." The news shocked Soundwave fans and caused a huge debacle resulting in Steel Panther trending on Twitter and fans accusing Steel Panther as the reason for the cancellation which was entirely inaccurate.

Though Steel Panther were disappointed by the news knowing that they wouldn't be sharing the main stage with Van Halen, the Soundwave Revolution cancellation ended up being a blessing in disguise for it allowed the band to finish recording their second major release, [Balls Out].

The band then proceeded to play the 2012 edition of the main festival, sharing a stage with System of a Down, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson and Limp Bizkit.

Controversy[link]

In January 2012, a promotional poster featuring album artwork from Balls Out was banned in the UK after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed it to be "overtly sexual" and was likely "to cause serious and widespread offense."^[10]

Awards[link]

• Best Debut: Feel the Steel - Metal Hammer Germany

Members[link]

• Michael Starr (Ralph Saenz) – lead vocals, acoustic guitars
• Satchel (Russ Parrish) – rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars, backing vocals
• Lexxi Foxxx (Travis Haley) – bass, backing vocals
• Stix Zadinia (Darren Leader) – drums, percussion, backing vocals

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

Singles[link]

Videography[link]

• Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) – The Video (2005) – home DVD featuring the music video for the title track and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Behind the Music: Steel Panther (2009) – iTunes podcast featuring a fake Behind the Music story for Steel Panther. (Features stars like Matt Sorum, Kat Von D, Jani Lane, Dee Snider and Dave Navarro)

Music videos[link]

• "Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)" (2005 and 2009)
• "Death to All but Metal" (2009)
• "Community Property" (2009)
• "If You Really Really Love Me" (2011)

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Steel Panther

• Official website
• Steel Panther's fan site
• Interview with Satchel on Maximum Threshold Radio

Ronnie Wood
Background information
Birth name	Ronald David Wood
Born	(1947-06-01) 1 June 1947 (age 65) Hillingdon, Middlesex, England
Genres	Rock, blues, blues rock, rock and roll, psychedelic rock, hard rock
Occupations	Musician, songwriter, record producer, painter, Radio personality
Instruments	Guitar, bass, pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar, harmonica, saxophone, drums, vocals, nose flute
Years active	1964–present
Labels	Warner Bros.
Associated acts	The Birds, The Creation, The Jeff Beck Group, Faces, The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, The Insects, The New Barbarians
Website	www.ronniewood.com
Notable instruments
Various Zemaitis models ESP Ron Wood signature model Duesenberg signature model Versoul guitars Fender Stratocaster

Ronald David "Ronnie" Wood (born 1 June 1947) is an English rock guitarist and bassist best known as a former member of The Jeff Beck Group, Faces, and a member of The Rolling Stones since 1975. He also plays lap and pedal steel guitar.

Wood began his career in 1964, when he joined The Birds on guitar.^[1] He then joined the mod group The Creation, but only remained with the group for a short time, and appeared on a small number of singles. Wood joined The Jeff Beck Group in 1967. They released two albums, Truth and Beck-Ola, which became moderate successes. The group split in 1969, and Wood departed along with lead vocalist Rod Stewart to join former Small Faces members Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones in a new group, dubbed the Faces. The group, although relegated to "cult" status in the US, found great success in the UK and mainland Europe. The Faces released their debut album, First Step, in 1970. The group went on to release Long Player and A Nod Is as Good as a Wink... to a Blind Horse in 1971. Their last LP, entitled Ooh La La, was released in 1973. After the group split, Wood began several solo projects, eventually recording his first solo LP, I've Got My Own Album to Do, in 1974. The album featured former bandmate McLagan as well as former Beatle George Harrison and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, a longtime friend of Wood's. Richards soon invited Wood to join The Rolling Stones, after the departure of Mick Taylor. Wood joined in 1975, and has remained a member ever since.^[1]

Besides I've Got My Own Album to Do, Wood has recorded several other solo efforts. Now Look was released in 1975, and peaked at number 118 on Billboard, and Wood collaborated with Ronnie Lane for the soundtrack album Mahoney's Last Stand. He released Gimme Some Neck in 1979, which hit number 45 in the US. 1234 was released in 1981, peaking at number 164. He released Slide on This in 1992, Not for Beginners came out in 2002.^[1] and I Feel Like Playing in 2010. As a member of the Rolling Stones, Wood was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, and was inducted a second time, as a member of Faces, in April 2012.^[2][3]

Music career[link]

1960s[link]

Wood began his career as a professional musician in 1964 as a guitarist with The Birds, an R&B band based in Yiewsley, West London. A popular live act with a considerable fan base, The Birds released several singles in the mid-1960s;^[4] Wood wrote or co-wrote nearly half the songs the group recorded.^[5]

By 1967 the Birds had disbanded, and Wood briefly took part in a project called Santa Barbara Machine Head before joining the Jeff Beck Group as a bassist. Along with vocalist Rod Stewart, Wood did several tours with Beck, and recorded two albums: Truth in 1968 and Beck-Ola in 1969. In between Jeff Beck Group projects Wood also worked with The Creation.^[6]

In 1969, after Steve Marriott left the Small Faces, Wood began working with the remaining members of that group, returning to his instrument of choice: the guitar. This line-up, plus Rod Stewart and ex-Bird Kim Gardner, teamed up with Wood's brother Art Wood in a formation called Quiet Melon, making a handful of recordings in May 1969.^[6] After the Jeff Beck Group's fifth US tour in July, Wood and Stewart joined the former Small Faces full-time, and the band's name was changed to Faces.^[7]

1970s[link]

Wood (left) whilst in Faces, with Rod Stewart (right)

In the first half of the 1970s, Faces released four studio albums and were among the top-grossing live acts of the period.^[8] Besides his distinctive guitar work, Wood contributed harmonica, vocals and bass to the band's recordings, and co-wrote many of their songs, including "Stay With Me" and "Ooh La La". He also played on bandmate Stewart's first few solo albums, and is co-writer of the Rod Stewart songs "Gasoline Alley" and "Every Picture Tells a Story",^[6] as well as several songs on Never a Dull Moment.

In 1972, Wood and Faces bassist Ronnie Lane composed the soundtrack to the film Mahoney's Last Stand;^[6] the soundtrack, which was released as an LP in 1976, also features Faces bandmates Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones, along with contributions from Pete Townshend and Ric Grech. Wood also performed with Townshend, Grech, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Eric Clapton at Clapton's Rainbow Concert in 1973.

In December 1973, Wood collaborated with Mick Jagger on the song "It's Only Rock'n Roll (But I Like It)".^[9] Both Jagger and Keith Richards contributed to Wood's first solo album, I've Got My Own Album to Do, released in 1974^[6] and recorded at Wood's private studio in the basement of his home in London, The Wick.

Wood in Candlestick Park on tour with The Rolling Stones

Following Mick Taylor's departure from the Rolling Stones in December 1974, Wood participated in the band's March 1975 recording sessions for their forthcoming album Black and Blue.^[10][11] Although still a member of the Faces, he toured North America with the Rolling Stones in 1975; the Faces announced their break-up in December of that year, and Wood was officially declared a member of the Rolling Stones in February 1976.^[12]

NME – August 1976^[13]

In the Rolling Stones, Wood plays the slide guitar as Taylor had done before him, adding both lap steel and pedal steel guitar. In addition, Wood, as his predecessors did, exchanges roles on the guitar with Richards, often blurring the boundaries between rhythm and lead, even within a particular song.^[14] He also occasionally plays bass guitar, as seen during 1975 concert performances of "Fingerprint File", when Mick Jagger played rhythm guitar and bassist Bill Wyman moved to synthesizer. The Rolling Stones single "Emotional Rescue" also features Wood on bass. He has been given credit as a co-writer for a dozen songs, including "Dance", "Black Limousine", "One Hit (to the Body)" and "Had It With You".

In 1975, Wood released his second solo album, Now Look; his third, Gimme Some Neck, came out in 1979. To promote it, Wood formed and toured with The New Barbarians, playing 20 concerts in Canada and the US in April/May and the Knebworth Festival in the UK in August.^[15][16]

1980s[link]

Throughout the 1980s, Wood played as a member of the Rolling Stones; continued his solo career, releasing the album 1234 in 1981; painted; and collaborated with a number of other artists, including Prince, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Bo Diddley, Ringo Starr and Aretha Franklin.

At the 1985 Live Aid Concert in Philadelphia, Wood along with Keith Richards performed in the penultimate set with Bob Dylan. During the performance of "Blowin' in the Wind", one of Dylan's guitar strings broke. Wood gave Dylan his guitar in order to keep the performance seamless, and played air guitar until a stagehand brought him a replacement.^[17]

In 1988 Wood opened "Woody's on the Beach" in Miami, a club featuring a house band headed by Bobby Keys, hosting performances by local acts, friends of Wood's and occasionally Wood himself. The defunct hotel which housed the club allowed Wood to set up a VIP area upstairs, displaying Wood's artwork and providing private party areas. The club was popular, but was closed due to complaints from neighbours who found it too loud.^[18]

1990s-2010s[link]

Wood (left) with Keith Richards (right) as an official Rolling Stone

In 1990 Wood was made a fully-fledged partner in the Rolling Stones' financial organization.^[19] During the 1990s the Rolling Stones released two studio albums and three concert albums, as well as touring in 1990, 1994–95 and 1997–99.^[10]

In addition, Wood released his seventh solo album, Slide On This, in 1992; he toured to promote this album in North America and Japan. His appearance in 1993 with former bandmate Rod Stewart on MTV Unplugged resulted in a hit album entitled Unplugged...and Seated; the concert album that Wood released in 1993 from his own tour was called Slide On Live: Plugged In and Standing.^[10]

Wood also contributed to Bo Diddley's 1996 album A Man Amongst Men, playing slide guitar on the tracks "Hey Baby", "A Man Amongst Men" and "Oops! Bo Diddley" and guitar on "I Can't Stand It".

Since 2000 Wood has continued to combine solo work with his Rolling Stones schedule. Following the 2001 release of his album Not For Beginners, Wood toured England and Ireland in 2001 and 2002 with his own group, The Ronnie Wood Band. The band included members of his own family, Slash and Andrea Corr. After the tour a DVD called Far East Man was released.

Wood toured with the Rolling Stones in 2002 and 2003; in 2004 he performed several one-off concerts and guest appearances, including a number of appearances with Rod Stewart. Later in the year the two expressed intentions of finishing the studio work on a collaborative album to be entitled You Strum and I'll Sing. In 2005, however, Wood was again busy with the Rolling Stones as they recorded their A Bigger Bang album. Although only playing on ten of the album's sixteen tracks, Wood embarked on the tour which ran through till August 2007.^[10]

In 2005 Wood launched his own record company, Wooden Records, which has released recordings by his daughter Leah, The New Barbarians and others.

Wood with the Rolling Stones at Virginia Tech. (2005)

In November 2006, during a break in the Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang tour, Wood played guitar on three tracks for British soul artist Beverley Knight's album Music City Soul, released in 2007.^[10]

On 9 May 2009, Wood along with Red Hot Chili Peppers members Anthony Kiedis, Michael "Flea" Balzary, Chad Smith and musician Ivan Neville performed under the name, The Insects at the fifth annual MusiCares event honoring Kiedis.^[20]

On 11 August 2009 Wood joined Pearl Jam on the stage of Shepherd's Bush Empire in London for a performance of "All Along the Watchtower".^{[citation needed]}

Ronnie Wood, Bill Wyman and Mick Hucknall at Faces reunion performance, 25 October 2009

On 25 October 2009, Wood, Ian McLagan and Kenny Jones joined forces for a Faces performance at London's Royal Albert Hall on behalf of the Performing Rights Society's Music Members' Benevolent Fund. Bill Wyman played bass and lead vocals were shared by several performers, notably Mick Hucknall.^[21] Rod Stewart, who had earlier denied rumours of plans for a Faces reunion in 2009,^[22] was not present.

On 2 November 2009 Wood was given an "Outstanding Contribution" award at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour ceremony in London. Pete Townshend presented the award.^[23][24]

Since 9 April 2010, Wood has presented his own radio show on Absolute Radio. Airing on Saturday night from 10pm, the show lasts one hour and consists of Wood playing tracks by artists he has worked with and other personal favourites.^[25]

In May 2011 Ronnie Wood won the Sony Radio Personality of the Year award for The Ronnie Wood Show.^[26]

Personal life[link]

Wood with promoter Joseph Donofrio, 2006.

Wood was born in Hillingdon, London, into a family of English "water gypsies" (river/canal barge operators, sometimes also called "bargees"). He has said that his generation was the first in the family to be born on dry land.^[27] He grew up in Yiewsley and attended St Stephen's Primary School and St Matthew's Church of England Secondary School, Yiewsley.^[28]

Both of his older brothers, Art and Ted, were graphic artists as well as musicians. Ted Wood died in 2004, and Art Wood in 2006.^[29]

Wood has four children. Jesse is his son with his first wife, Krissy (née Findlay), a former model to whom he was married from 1971 to 1978; (during this time he had an affair with George Harrison's former wife, Pattie Boyd). Krissy died in 2005. In 1985 Wood married his second wife, Jo Wood (née Karslake), mother of his daughter Leah and son Tyrone; her son Jamie from a previous relationship completes the family. Also a former model, Jo Wood has developed a successful line of organic beauty products.^[30] The Woods own homes in Kingston Vale in Greater London and County Kildare, Ireland.^[31]

Wood has been frank about his struggle with alcoholism; although reports between 2003 and 2006 had indicated that he had been sober since the Rolling Stones' 2002-03 tour, in June 2006 it was reported that Wood was entering rehab for a couple of weeks following a spell of increased alcohol abuse.^[32][33] By July 2008, ITN news reported that Wood had checked himself into rehab a total of six times; the last time being before the wedding of his daughter Leah. He had plans once again for a seventh admission.^[34]

In July 2008 he left his wife for Ekaterina Ivanova (variously reported to be between 18 and 21 years old at the time), whom he had met in a London club.^[35] Wood checked into rehab again on 16 July 2008.^[36][37] Jo Wood filed for divorce and was granted a decree nisi in November 2009.^[38]

On 3 December 2009, Wood was arrested over assault "in connection with a domestic incident".^[39] He was officially cautioned for this offence on 22 December 2009.^[40] Following this incident, Wood and Ivanova parted ways, and Ivanova later asserted that at his worst Wood drank up to a litre of spirits a day, took cocaine and chain smoked up to 50 cigarettes.^[41]

He is currently dating model Ana Paula Araújo.[1]

Artwork[link]

Wood is a well-known visual artist. When he was a child his drawings were featured on the BBC television programme Sketch Club; he won one of that programme's competitions, an achievement he refers to as his "awakening to art".^[42] He went on to train at the Ealing Art College, as both his brothers had. Other notable musicians, Freddie Mercury of Queen, and Pete Townshend of The Who, also attended in the 1960s.^[43]

Wood's paintings, drawings and prints frequently feature icons of popular culture and have been exhibited all over the world. Several of his paintings, including a work commissioned by Andrew Lloyd-Webber, are displayed at London's Drury Lane Theatre.^[44] Art critic Brian Sewell has called Wood "an accomplished and respectable artist";^[45] and the South Bank Show has devoted an entire programme to his artwork.^[46] Liberty & Co. has produced a clothing line using fabrics printed with Wood's art.^[47] Wood has maintained a long-standing relationship with the San Francisco Art Exchange who first exhibited his work in 1987.^[48] Wood is also the co-owner (along with sons Jamie and Tyrone) of a London art gallery called Scream.^[49]