New Rolling Stones Book Explores Ronnie Wood’s Set List Artwork
A new book explores the artistic set lists created by Ronnie Wood for each Rolling Stones tour.
The former sign writer has spent years creating canvas artworks based on the song orders decided ahead of every road trip, and now more than 100 are reproduced in The Rolling Stones Set Lists -- which includes sets from 2005’s Bigger Bang to this year’s No Filter.
“During rehearsals, I draw up set lists on big canvases, putting down the songs and the keys they're in,” Wood explained. “We hang these set lists on the rehearsal room walls so we know where we've been and where we're going. … Sometimes Keith [Richards] and Mick [Jagger] add little doodles, and they become works of art in their own right.”
You can watch Wood’s presentation video below.
Genesis Publications said in a statement, “In a new manuscript spanning 198 pages, Wood offers a glimpse behind the scenes of one of the most famous rock bands in the world. Through Wood's artwork and his personal reflections, the reader is given an insight into the band's touring over the years.
“He discusses the band's creative process, learning up to 80 songs per tour; personal highlights, such as Valentine's Day 2014, when a small group of fans were invited into rehearsals; collaborations with fellow musicians such as the Black Keys, Eric Clapton, Florence Welch and Jeff Beck; and the band's various reunions with former Rolling Stones Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor."
In addition to Wood's quotes, the book includes "extended captions [that] analyze each set list in depth, examining the significance of certain songs and their place within the Rolling Stones' history. Nearly 150 photographs and items of memorabilia provide additional context.”
Three personally signed editions were made available for pre-order, though the most limited version, with a print run of 75, has already sold out. The “Ready Set Go” edition runs to 425 copies, while the “Set Pieces” edition runs to 1,000 copies.