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The Story Behind Ronnie Wood’s Gimme Some Neck Cover Art
As reported, the self-portrait featured on the cover of Gimme Some Neck—Ronnie Wood’s third solo album, released in 1979—was originally painted by Ronnie while studying his own reflection in the mirror. What began as a raw, personal sketch quickly evolved into something more expressive. When he chose it for the LP artwork, he revisited the piece, adding bold touches of makeup, extra color, and bits of jewelry to give the portrait the wild, offbeat character that defines the album’s vibe.
A Closer Look at the Gimme Some Neck Album Artwork
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
If you’ve ever imagined the perfect fusion of the Rolling Stones and the Faces, then Ronnie Wood is your guy. Having played in both legendary bands, his 1979 solo LP Gimme Some Neck carries their unmistakable influence. The album is a gritty, raucous affair, packed with Wood’s signature guitar work—reminiscent of his electrifying licks on the Faces’ Stay With Me. Its mix is as raw as a dive bar at closing time, as unpolished as Rod Stewart’s wittiest remarks, and as full-throttle as a night out with Keith Richards.
But while Wood’s guitar work is undeniable, his vocals can be hit or miss. At times, he sounds like a Dylan knockoff; at others, his voice is as flimsy as discount toilet paper. Thankfully, he’s got some heavyweight backup singers to prop him up—none other than Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the legendary Jerry Williams. Their harmonies help give the songs a much-needed punch, filling in the gaps where Wood’s voice wavers.
Adding to the album’s star power, Gimme Some Neckboasts an enviable lineup of guest musicians. Mick Fleetwood, Dave Mason, Charlie Watts, Bobby Keys, and Wood’s former Faces bandmate Ian McLagan all contribute their magic. McLagan’s keyboards, in particular, shine on tracks like We All Get Old, injecting that unmistakable Faces groove into the mix. With its raw energy and high-profile collaborations, this album is a must-listen for fans of both bands.
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