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The Birds, Ronnie Wood’s first band

*By Marcelo Sonaglioni

Ronnie Wood’s musical career began with his first band, which was initially called The Thunderbirds, before they changed their name to The Birds. The band, however, had a brief existence, lasting only six years. Despite the band’s promising start, they eventually disbanded when American band The Byrds rose to fame in the mid-1960s. The Birds struggled to stand out amidst the success of their American counterparts, leading to their breakup.

Although their time together was short, The Birds did manage to leave a small but notable mark in the music world. One of their songs, Leaving Here, was included on the Hard-Up Heroes compilation album, which became an important record for fans of British rock. The track was a showcase of the band’s raw energy and potential, representing a snapshot of the early ‘60s rock scene. Additionally, The Birds made a brief appearance in the cult classic horror film The Deadly Bees, further solidifying their place in the pop culture of the era, albeit in a minor way.

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Ronnie Wood’s New Flight: From The Birds to the Jeff Beck Group

When The Birds disbanded, Ronnie Wood was at a crossroads in his career. Instead of stepping back from the music scene, he took the opportunity to reach out to Jeff Beck, a guitarist he had known casually. Beck, who had recently parted ways with the Yardbirds, was embarking on a new journey of his own. Ronnie, recognizing the opportunity, contacted Beck and was invited to join the Jeff Beck Group. This move would prove to be a significant turning point in Wood’s career. The Jeff Beck Group was a pivotal stage for Ronnie, allowing him to develop his craft, gain valuable experience, and forge the connections that would lead him to future success in rock history. Although The Birds were short-lived, they helped set the stage for Ronnie Wood’s evolution as one of rock’s greatest guitarists.

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