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The Rolling Stones in the press: “New Barbarians: Stone-free and Rolling”
In 1979, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood took a break from his main gig to focus on his solo career and formed the New Barbarians to promote his third solo album, Gimme Some Neck. This all-star group, assembled as much for fun as for showcasing Wood’s music, featured an impressive lineup, including Keith Richards on guitar, Ian McLagan on keyboards, Bobby Keys on saxophone, Stanley Clarke on bass, and Joseph ‘Ziggy’ Modeliste on drums. The band exuded a raw, freewheeling energy that perfectly matched the spirit of the project.
The New Barbarians embarked on a short but memorable tour in 1979, beginning with two benefit shows for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, held at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium. These concerts were part of Keith Richards’ court-ordered penalty following his infamous 1977 drug charges. The tour continued with a handful of U.S. dates, bringing the band’s gritty, blues-infused rock to audiences eager to see two Stones sharing the stage outside their usual setting.
Gimme Some Neck, released in April 1979, showcased Wood’s songwriting talents and featured collaborations with Richards and Mick Jagger, among others. Songs like Seven Days (written by Bob Dylan) and Buried Alive highlighted Wood’s raspy vocals and slide guitar skills, while the album’s loose, unpolished sound mirrored the band’s live performances.
Though the New Barbarians had a brief “Stone-free” run and operated independently of the Rolling Stones, their electrifying performances and Gimme Some Neck stand out as a unique chapter in Ronnie Wood’s career. This era showcased Wood’s talent not only as a supporting player but as a frontman and creative powerhouse, solidifying his status as a significant figure in rock ‘n’ roll history.
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