BREAKING: Legendary GUITARIST Ronnie Wood D…read more.
Ronnie Wood, the ever-smiling, quick-witted guitarist of the Rolling Stones, has never been one to sit still. At 78, with more than six decades of music behind him, he’s still finding ways to surprise his fans. This week, he’s done it again with the release of “Mother of Pearl”, the second new song from his upcoming career-spanning collection, Fearless: Anthology 1965-2025.
If his first recent single a spirited cover of The Falcons’ 1959 hit “You’re So Fine” was a toe-tapper, this new track is a full-blown groove. Written by Wood himself, “Mother of Pearl” is the only original composition among the anthology’s four new additions, making it a standout in a set packed with classics.
A Song That Feels Like a Smile
From the first note, “Mother of Pearl” radiates a sunny, easygoing energy. It’s part R&B, part rock, with a sprinkle of ska to keep things unpredictable. Wood’s unmistakable voice worn in all the right ways by years on stage rides atop a rhythm section that just won’t quit. And then there’s Imelda May, the Irish singer whose soulful, smoky tones wrap around the melody like velvet.
It’s not just a duet; it’s a conversation in song. May doesn’t just back Wood up she lifts him, shades him, and adds a layer of warmth that makes the track feel instantly lived-in.
A Family Affair
One of the sweetest details? “Mother of Pearl” was co-produced by Wood’s own son, Jesse Wood, alongside producer Sean Genockey. Recording took place in some of the most storied rooms in music history Abbey Road and Metropolis Studios with final touches applied at Rek Sound Studios.
The band behind the track is equally impressive:
- Guy Pratt on bass, a legend in his own right thanks to his work with Pink Floyd and David Gilmour.
- Matt Clifford on keyboards, a longtime Stones collaborator.
- Ian Thomas on drums, bringing crisp, steady beats.
- Sean Genockey on acoustic guitar, also shaping the song’s production.
It’s a lineup that knows how to play for the song, not just for themselves and it shows.
The Bigger Picture: Fearless
Due out September 26, 2025, Fearless: Anthology 1965–2025 isn’t just a greatest hits album. It’s a deep dive into Ronnie Wood’s life in music from his teenage days with The Birds and The Creation, through The Jeff Beck Group and Faces, to his four-decade run with the Rolling Stones.
The anthology will be released as a 38-track double CD and a 20-song double LP, pulling together classics like “Stay with Me,” “Ooh La La,” and Stones staples like “Hey Negrita” and “Pretty Beat Up.” It’s a living scrapbook of a musician who’s always been right where the magic was happening.
Alongside “Mother of Pearl,” the new recordings include:
- “A Certain Girl” (Allen Toussaint cover) featuring Chrissie Hynde.
- “Take It Easy” (Hopeton Lewis cover) featuring Imelda May.
- “You’re So Fine” (The Falcons cover) also featuring May.
Why This Matters Now
It’s been 15 years since Wood last released an album of new solo material (I Feel Like Playing in 2010). “Mother of Pearl” isn’t just another track it’s proof that his creative spark is alive and well. There’s a playfulness in the groove, but also a craftsman’s attention to detail.
For fans, it’s a reminder that Wood is more than “just” the Stones’ guitarist. He’s a songwriter, a collaborator, and a storyteller with a knack for making music that feels joyful without being disposable. And working with Imelda May an artist from a different generation gives the song a fresh energy that bridges decades.
Rolling On
“Mother of Pearl” is streaming now, and it’s hard not to imagine it becoming a favorite in Wood’s solo catalog. It’s upbeat, warm, and just the right kind of catchy.
With Fearless landing in September, the track serves as a perfect teaser for what’s to come a collection that’s not just a history lesson, but a celebration of a musician who’s never stopped moving forward.
At this point, Ronnie Wood doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. But “Mother of Pearl” proves something anyway: the man still has more music in him and he’s having a great time letting it out.
