Happy Birthday Ronnie Wood: First Tour With The Rolling Stones In 1975

Recent father to a new set of twins, guitarist Ronnie Wood celebrates his 69th birthday today. The twice inducted Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer with The Rolling Stones and Faces, Wood’s familiar tone is part of the fabric of many of rock’s most favored songs. In honor of the multi-talented artist’s birthday today, here’s a look back at the first tour he took as an official member of The Rolling Stones back in the summer of 1975.

Wood made his debut with The Stones 41 years ago today, taking the stage with the band for a pair of warm-up shows on his 28th birthday at LSU Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The former Jeff Beck Group bassist and Faces guitarist had been chosen to replace outgoing Stones axeman Mick Taylor for the group’s Tour Of The Americas ’75 run of shows. The Stones went on to appear at 44 stops on the tour before the finale at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on August 8, 1975.

Part of the tour included a five night stand at The Forum near Los Angeles. Professionally shot footage from the show on July 12, 1975 was shared by the band as part of an official release, including video of “Star Star,” which can be viewed here:

The YouTube embed below purports to be a recording of “Luxury” from Ronnie’s 28th birthday performance in Baton Rouge. Listen to the lo-fi audio here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_RYq9Qnpw4