Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones recently shared heartwarming recollections of his enduring friendship with the late Tina Turner, describing her as a ‘beautiful spirit’ and his ‘favorite’ backstage companion, shedding light on a bond forged over decades of shared musical journeys and mutual respect.
In a recent interview with Irish chef Clodagh McKenna for the Daily Mail’s You Magazine, Ronnie Wood, the iconic guitarist for The Rolling Stones, opened up about his deep admiration and enduring friendship with the legendary Tina Turner. Wood’s heartfelt reflections paint a vivid picture of a bond that extended far beyond the confines of the stage, highlighting Turner’s captivating presence and resilient spirit.
A Shared History: Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones
The connection between Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones dates back decades, rooted in a shared passion for electrifying live performances. Ike and Tina Turner famously supported The Rolling Stones during the UK leg of their 1966 tour, a formative experience that laid the groundwork for future collaborations. Their bond solidified further when they opened for the British rock band on the North American leg of their 1969 tour, exposing a burgeoning audience to Turner’s raw power and stage charisma.
Their musical paths intertwined again in November 1981, when Tina Turner opened for three of The Rolling Stones’ concerts. It was during these performances that she joined the band on stage for an unforgettable rendition of “Honky Tonk Women,” a moment that further etched their shared history into rock folklore, as reported by The New York Times. Their most iconic joint performance, however, remains the 1985 Live Aid concert in Philadelphia, where Mick Jagger and Turner famously captivated millions with “State of Shock” and “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It).”
Backstage Bonds and Lasting Friendship
For Wood, his connection with Tina Turner was uniquely personal. He recalled being the only one she would permit into her dressing room immediately after a show, a testament to their mutual trust and affection. “And she’d say, ‘Come here!’ and give me a huge sweaty hug,” Wood fondly reminisced. This intimate glimpse into their relationship reveals a camaraderie that transcended the public personas of rock legends.
Their friendship remained steadfast over the years. Wood shared that Turner even came to watch The Rolling Stones on their European tour shortly before her passing in May 2023. During this visit, she met Wood’s twin daughters, Alice and Gracie, and his wife, Sally. Wood noted that Turner “couldn’t believe how my life had changed and I’d become a family man,” a sweet observation highlighting the personal evolution he experienced since their early touring days together, as detailed in an interview for Daily Mail’s You Magazine.
Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty
The Rolling Stones and Tina Turner in New Jersey in November 1981
Remembering the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’
Upon Tina Turner’s passing, Ronnie Wood joined countless others in paying tribute to the undisputed Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. He shared photos of their time together on social media, expressing his grief and calling her “a dear friend to our family.” Wood’s words, “She was a beautiful spirit and I loved her,” encapsulate the profound impact Turner had on him and those fortunate enough to know her personally.
The Shadow of Ike: Wood’s Perspective
Wood’s interview also touched upon his brief interactions with Tina Turner’s former husband, Ike Turner. Wood candidly admitted, “I knew Ike, too, but didn’t like him quite as much. I lent him $100 in the 60s and never got it back.” This seemingly lighthearted anecdote takes on a heavier meaning when viewed against the backdrop of Tina’s well-documented experiences of domestic violence during her marriage to Ike. Her autobiography, “I, Tina,” and subsequent interviews unflinchingly detailed the extensive physical, emotional, and financial abuse she endured. Wood’s subtle dislike for Ike resonates deeply with the public’s understanding of Tina’s incredible strength in overcoming such profound adversity, a journey that made her a global icon of survival and resilience, as widely reported by publications like People.
Derek Hudson/Getty
Tina Turner with the Rolling Stones in Philadelphia in September 1981
A Legacy of Spirit and Resilience
Ronnie Wood’s recent recollections add another beautiful brushstroke to the expansive portrait of Tina Turner’s life and legacy. Beyond her electrifying performances and groundbreaking music, she was a figure of immense strength, resilience, and a truly “beautiful spirit.” Her ability to forge and maintain deep, personal friendships, even amidst the chaos and demands of global superstardom, speaks volumes about her character.
For fans, these insights from a fellow legend like Wood only deepen the appreciation for Tina Turner, not just as a performer, but as a human being whose warmth, power, and unwavering spirit touched everyone she met. Her journey continues to inspire, and friendships like the one she shared with Ronnie Wood serve as a poignant reminder of the bonds that truly make the world of music so vibrant and enduring.
