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Rolling Stones quotes: Ronnie Wood on working along Mick Jagger on ‘It’s Only Rock’n Roll’ (1974)

When The Rolling Stones dropped It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It) in 1974, it wasn’t just another hit—it signaled a subtle but crucial shift in their DNA. With Ronnie Wood entering the picture, the band’s sound loosened up, trading polish for groove and attitude. His interplay with Keith Richards added a sly, effortless swagger that elevated the track beyond standard rock fare. Anchored by Mick Jagger’s sharp presence, the song captures a carefree confidence—proving that sometimes the magic lies not in complexity, but in feel, chemistry, and perfect timing.

“Mick and I worked out ‘I Can Feel the Fire’ and after we’d done that, he said, Help me with this song, It’s Only Rock’n Roll, ’cause I wanna see how it turns out. So, say on a Tuesday evening: two guitars – Mick and I – and Mick singing lead vocal and David Bowie and myself on backup vocals. Then I overdubbed the rest of the instruments last and it sounded like a good demo. So the next night, we wanted to put it in a more presentable shape so we got hold of Kenny Jones who plays the drums on the actual record. Ah… I ended up with just my acoustic guitar that I laid originally. Keith replaced – rightly so – the guitars that I’d done electrically.”

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Ronnie Wood’s Key Contribution to It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (1974)

Released in 1974, It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It) became an iconic track for The Rolling Stones, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band with the addition of Ronnie Wood on guitar. Wood’s collaboration on this song played a pivotal role in shaping its distinctive sound, blending seamlessly with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ songwriting. Ronnie’s guitar work brought a fresh energy to the track. His fluid, melodic lines and playful interplay with Richards’ riffs helped create the song’s unmistakable groove.

A Funky Shift in the Stones’ Sound

Ronnie Wood brought a fresh, laid-back groove to It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It), helping the The Rolling Stones loosen their sound and lean into something more relaxed and funky. His chemistry with Keith Richards—who crafted the song’s instantly recognizable riff—created a natural, effortless interplay that gave the track its swagger. While Mick Jagger and Richards handled the songwriting, Wood’s influence shaped the overall feel, adding texture and attitude that set it apart from the band’s earlier, more straightforward rock approach.

The result is a track that feels carefree yet confident, capturing the rebellious spirit that defined the Stones in the mid-1970s. There’s an unpolished charm in its delivery, as if the band is celebrating rock music without overthinking it. Released as the title track of their 1974 album, the song became a commercial hit and a defining anthem. Decades later, it still resonates—proof that sometimes simplicity, groove, and the right collaboration can create something timeless.

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