Ronnie Wood: Rock Survivor and Rolling Stones Legend
There aren’t many guitarists who can claim a career spanning six decades, let alone one that includes the Rolling Stones, Faces, and a thriving art career. Ronnie Wood has done all that and more – while also navigating very public battles with addiction and lung cancer.
Born: 1 June 1947 · Member of Rolling Stones since: 1975 · Marriages: 3 · Children: 4 · Estimated net worth: $200 million
Quick snapshot
- Born 1 June 1947 in Hillingdon, England (Wikipedia (the crowd-sourced encyclopedia))
- Member of Rolling Stones since 1975 (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia (the crowd-sourced encyclopedia))
- Married Sally Humphreys in 2012 (The Telegraph (UK newspaper))
- Sober since 2010 (Yahoo Entertainment (entertainment news site))
- Exact current remission status after lung cancer
- Precise net worth figure (estimates vary)
- Future plans for a Faces or Rolling Stones reunion
- 1975: Joins the Rolling Stones, cementing his signature role (Wikipedia)
- 2010: Publicly becomes sober after years of addiction (Yahoo)
- 2017: Diagnosed with lung cancer; treated successfully (Wikipedia)
- Release of ‘Fearless: The Anthology 1965–2025’ in 2025 (The Rockpit (rock music news))
- Ongoing art exhibitions worldwide (IMDb (film and music database))
- Continued touring with the Rolling Stones (The Rockpit (rock music news))
Seven essential biographical facts, one pattern: a musician whose public identity is as much about resilience as about riffs.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ronald David Wood |
| Birth date | 1 June 1947 |
| Birth place | Hillingdon, Middlesex, England |
| Occupation | Musician, songwriter, artist |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Spouse | Sally Humphreys (m. 2012) |
| Children | 4 (including twins with Sally) |
Does Ronnie Wood live in Ireland?
- Ronnie Wood owns a property in Kildare, Ireland (Instagram (social media post))
- He purchased a “Breeze House” in Kildare (Celebitchy (entertainment blog))
- He splits time between Ireland and England
Wood confirmed in interviews that he bought the Irish property as a family retreat. The house is reportedly a modern “breeze house” design, giving him a quiet base away from the London scene.
Wood’s Ireland home lets him step away from the rock-star glare while staying within an hour’s flight of London. For a man who values family and sobriety, that geographic flexibility is a deliberate lifestyle choice.
The implication: Wood’s decision to invest in Irish real estate reflects a broader desire for normalcy after decades of chaos. It’s less about tax strategy and more about a fresh start.
Is Ronnie Wood still sober?
What led to Ronnie Wood’s sobriety?
- Ronnie Wood has been sober since 2010 (Yahoo)
- He gave up alcohol and drugs after years of reported abuse (Ultimate Classic Rock (rock music news site))
- He credits his sobriety to family and support (Yahoo)
In his own words, Wood has described giving up drinking and drugs as a life-saving decision. “I’m so happy I gave up drinking and drugs. It saved my life,” he told the press. His ex-wife’s 2013 memoir reportedly detailed the toll addiction took on their marriage, including cocaine use and infidelity.
The same life that nearly destroyed him – the fast-paced rock world – is also the one he still inhabits. Sobriety hasn’t meant leaving the band; it’s meant learning to tour without old crutches.
Why this matters: Wood’s sobriety journey mirrors that of other rock survivors like Anthony Kiedis, showing it’s possible to maintain a high-profile career while staying clean.
What is the age difference between Ronnie Wood and his wife?
- Ronnie Wood married Sally Humphreys in 2012 (The Telegraph)
- Sally is 31 years younger than Ronnie (Ultimate Classic Rock (rock music news site))
- They have twin daughters (The Telegraph)
Sally Wood has openly addressed the age gap. “I know it’s there. And I wish it wasn’t, but it is,” she told The Telegraph in 2014. At then 36, she was three decades younger than the 67-year-old rock star. The couple now has twin daughters, and Wood says the relationship has been a stabilizing force.
What this means: While the age difference draws public curiosity, the couple presents a united front. For Wood, who had two previous marriages that ended amid addiction struggles, this relationship coincides with his sober years – and appears to be his longest-lasting partnership.
Are Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood still friends?
Have Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood collaborated recently?
- Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood have been friends since the 1960s (Wikipedia)
- They played together in Faces and the Jeff Beck Group (Wikipedia)
- They remain friends and have discussed reuniting (The Rockpit)
The pair met as teenagers in London and went on to form the Jeff Beck Group together in 1969, before creating Faces in 1970. Rod Stewart summed it up simply: “We’ll always be brothers. We’ve been through so much together.” In recent years, they’ve hinted at a Faces reunion, though no concrete plans have been announced.
A Faces reunion would compete with both Stewart’s solo touring and Wood’s Rolling Stones commitments. Fans want it, but the logistics of two 70-something headliners may keep it a fantasy.
The pattern: Wood and Stewart’s friendship is one of the longest in rock. Unlike many bandmates who fall out over money or egos, they’ve maintained mutual respect across five decades – a rarity worth noting.
What illness has Ronnie Wood got?
- Ronnie Wood was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017 (Wikipedia)
- He underwent surgery and treatment (Wikipedia)
- He has been in remission (Yahoo)
In 2017, Wood was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent what he called “a little bit of surgery.” He recovered and returned to the stage, continuing with the Rolling Stones’ No Filter tour. Though details of his exact health status remain private, he has said he feels “on top of the world.”
The implication: Wood’s cancer battle adds to a narrative of survival that includes addiction recovery. For a musician who began his career in the 1960s, each comeback is a win against the odds.
Timeline of key events
- : Born in Hillingdon, England (Wikipedia)
- : Forms the Birds (Wikipedia)
- : Joins Jeff Beck Group (Wikipedia)
- : Joins Faces (Wikipedia)
- : Joins the Rolling Stones (Wikipedia)
- : Solo albums and art exhibitions (IMDb)
- : Becomes sober (Yahoo)
- : Marries Sally Humphreys (The Telegraph)
- : Diagnosed with lung cancer; treated (Wikipedia)
- : Release of ‘Fearless: The Anthology 1965–2025’ (The Rockpit)
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place (1 June 1947, Hillingdon) (Wikipedia)
- Membership in Faces, Jeff Beck Group, Rolling Stones (Wikipedia)
- Marriage to Sally Humphreys in 2012 (The Telegraph)
- Sobriety since 2010 (Yahoo)
- Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2017 (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact current health status (remission details not publicly updated since 2017)
- Precise net worth figure – estimates range from £100 million to $200 million (Yahoo)
- Whether a Faces reunion will actually happen (The Rockpit)
- Reported details of past drug and alcohol use (based on ex-wife’s autobiography, tier2 medium confidence) (Ultimate Classic Rock)
- His age difference with wife (exact gap reported as 31 years by some outlets, not confirmed by official documents) (Ultimate Classic Rock)
“I’m so happy I gave up drinking and drugs. It saved my life.”
Ronnie Wood, in interviews discussing his sobriety (Yahoo)
“We’ll always be brothers. We’ve been through so much together.”
Rod Stewart, on his friendship with Ronnie Wood (The Rockpit)
“Age is just a number. We have a fantastic relationship.”
Sally Humphreys Wood, on her marriage to Ronnie (The Telegraph)
Wood’s story is far from over. At 78 (as of 2025), he continues to tour, paint, and release music. His resilience in the face of addiction and cancer serves as a template for aging rockers. For the Rolling Stones, the decision to keep Wood on stage is clear: he’s not just a guitarist – he’s a symbol of survival. The alternative – replacing him – would break a chemistry that has lasted half a century.
Related reading: **Davy Jones: Monkees Singer and Maritime Myth**
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For those curious about the personal side of his journey, Ronnie Woods age and family life offers a closer look at his age, wife, and children.
Frequently asked questions
How many albums has Ronnie Wood released?
Wood has released over a dozen solo albums, plus countless with the Rolling Stones, Faces, and Jeff Beck Group. A complete discography is maintained on Wikipedia.
Does Ronnie Wood have a solo career?
Yes, he has released solo albums such as “I’ve Got My Own Album to Do” (1974) and “Not for Beginners” (2001). He continues to perform solo shows occasionally.
What is Ronnie Wood’s art style?
Wood is known for expressive portraits and rock-themed paintings. He has exhibited at galleries worldwide and published limited-edition prints (IMDb).
Has Ronnie Wood won any awards?
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: first as a member of Faces (2012) and then as a Rolling Stone (1989). No other major awards have been formally documented.
What instruments does Ronnie Wood play?
Primarily guitar (electric and acoustic), but also bass, slide guitar, harmonica, and keyboards. He is considered a multi-instrumentalist (IMDb).
How did Ronnie Wood meet his wife?
Wood met Sally Humphreys, a theater producer, in 2010. They married in 2012 at a private ceremony in London (The Telegraph).
Is Ronnie Wood still touring with the Rolling Stones?
Yes, he remains an active member and is expected to tour with the band in 2025 following the release of their anthology.
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