'You can't talk about those things!': Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood refuses to discuss retirement
Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood, 79, refuses to contemplate or talk about the prospect of retirement.
Ronnie Wood refuses to consider retirement.
The Rolling Stones rocker, 79, has enjoyed a career in music spanning over six decades and explained that he takes the approach that age is merely a number.
When the interviewer revealed that they regularly discuss retirement despite being in their late 50s, Ronnie told Loudersound.com: "Oh my god! No, you can't talk about those things!
"Don't care about numbers. It's only a number. You know, time doesn't really exist. It's only us humans that have to put a label on time. (Albert) Einstein said time doesn't... you know, time is what you make it. And that's true, isn't it?"
The Rolling Stones released their latest studio album Foreign Tongues last month and Ronnie expressed hope that he and band mates Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards can tour the record next year.
Asked about the prospect of a Stones tour, the musician said: "Let's hope. I mean, not this year, but maybe next year. We'd love to.
"It's an obvious thing that we would love to, because the Stones... Me and Mick, we never stop wanting to play.
"That's why I'm going to take my solo band out to do a few gigs, to keep the chops together in my fingers. It's got to be done. You've got to keep it warm, keep the music warm. And keep inventing stuff and paying tribute to past eras. It's great.
"And if the Stones can tour next year, let's do it. That's our attitude."
Ronnie insists that even Keith's arthritis won't be able to stop the Jumpin' Jack Flash rockers from touring.
He said: "Anything's possible. We just, you know, toss a coin and see how it lands. That's the way we've always played it."
Wood explained that producer Andrew Watt is key to keeping the Stones motivated after more than half a century together in their current guise.
The guitarist said: "It's down to Andrew Watt, that kind of enthusiasm. He's a young guy with passion, he's a fan, he can back up what he says because he can play. So we listened to him.
"And a bit like in the (producer) Jimmy Miller days when the Stones were creating an album every couple of years, we were back on that kind of schedule, which is great.
"People don't have to wait 10, 12 years between albums now."
