Ronnie Wood called time on one of the most high-profile benders in rock history last night when he checked in to an alcoholism clinic. Despite his advancing years, the Rolling Stones guitarist found himself back in the spotlight after it emerged that he was holed up in his Irish mansion, drinking two bottles of vodka a day with a Russian cocktail waitress 41 years his junior.
Wood, 61, was apparently persuaded to leave his Co Kildare mansion, where he has built his own pub, by his son Jesse. The pair flew back to Britain by private jet on Tuesday night, prompting speculation that he was trying to salvage his 23-year marriage to Jo.
In a statement, Wood's spokeswoman said the rocker was being helped by those closest to him in an attempt to end his alcoholism once and for all. She added: "Following Ronnie's continued battle with alcohol, he has entered a period of rehab. His close family and friends say he is seeking help and look forward to his recovery."
Although Wood stayed sober from 2003 to 2006, most of his adult life has been characterized by excess. He had to have his cocaine-ravaged nose rebuilt by surgeons, and his fellow Rolling Stone Keith Richards once threatened to shoot him in a drunken argument. In 1990, Wood was warned to quit drinking or be dead within six months.
This could've all been avoided if Ronnie had taken Mr. Richards' lead and snorted his father's ashes instead. At any rate, we wish Ronnie all the best and a speedy, healthy recovery.
Meanwhile, here's Mr. Wood in presumably happier times, with Jeff Beck at The Royal Albert Hall in 2004 performing "Cissy Strut" :
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