Rolling Stones Reflect on Losing Amy Winehouse: “It Was Like Saying Goodbye to Billie Holiday Again”

The Rolling Stones share heartfelt memories of Amy Winehouse, honoring her legacy with a cover of ‘You Know I’m No Good’ on their new album.

Remembering Amy Winehouse Through the Rolling Stones’ Lens

Losing a musical icon is never easy, especially when that icon has touched the lives of so many, including the legendary Rolling Stones. As the Stones prepare to release their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, they took a touching moment to reflect on the tragic loss of Amy Winehouse. The band’s cover of her haunting hit ‘You Know I’m No Good’ is a poignant tribute to the late singer, who passed away 15 years ago this month.

Amy’s raw talent and soulful voice left an indelible mark on music. For the Stones, her passing echoed the pain of losing another great singer of the past—Billie Holiday. Ronnie Wood, the Stones’ guitarist, poignantly shared, “It was like saying goodbye to Billie Holiday again.” Their connection with Amy ran deep, especially through Wood, who shared a close friendship with her.

Image of Mick Jagger performing with Amy Winehouse.

Amy’s Struggles and the Strength of Her Performances

Ronnie Wood opened up about Amy’s battle with addiction in a recent interview, revealing tender moments where she would confide in him: “She would go, ‘Oh, Ronnie, what am I going to do?’ I said, ‘Look, everyone knows you’ve got vodka in the water bottle. Get it together and get on stage.’” Despite her personal challenges, Amy’s stage presence was formidable. Wood noted, “If you could get her up there [on stage] and she stayed there, it’d be great.”

It’s heartbreaking to think about the potential Amy never fully realized. Wood’s sadness was evident when he said, “I’m sad because she didn’t do her full span.” The comparison to the legendary Billie Holiday highlights how deeply Amy’s loss was felt—not just personally by the band but culturally as well.

Keith Richards Remembers Amy’s Spirit

Keith Richards also reflected on his brief encounter with Amy, revealing some regret over not getting to know her better. They shared the stage once at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007, an unforgettable moment captured in a live performance of The Temptations’ classic, ‘Ain’t Too Proud To Beg’.

“I was always sort of, ‘Well, I’m bound to meet her down the road,’” Richards recalled. “You expect things to happen, and unfortunately no. But that’s what records are for. I’m just very glad and honoured to have played with her at least once.”

That duet remains a shining moment of what could have been, a snapshot of a friendship and musical kinship that was tragically cut short.

Rolling Stones’ New Album: Foreign Tongues

The upcoming album Foreign Tongues, dropping on July 10 via Polydor/Universal Music, is a star-studded affair. It features 14 tracks, including the Stones’ cover of Amy’s ‘You Know I’m No Good’, as well as songs like ‘In The Stars’ and ‘Rough And Twisted’. The record boasts collaborations with some of music’s finest legends:

• Paul McCartney lending his bass talents
• Robert Smith from The Cure contributing vocals on ‘Divine Intervention’
• Steve Winwood making an appearance
• Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers adding drums on a Chuck Berry cover
• And a tribute to the late Charlie Watts, the Stones’ beloved drummer

The album is a testament to the Stones’ enduring influence and their ability to blend rock with soulful collaborations.

Paul McCartney Joins the Fun

Mick Jagger recently shared insights into working with Paul McCartney on the album, describing the experience as “very easy.” Paul, known for his melodic bass playing, took on the bass for ‘Covered In You’ and nailed a “funk bass part” with impressive ease.

“I said to Andy [Watt, producer], ‘Is he gonna be into this because it’s a punk tune and I want overdriven bass. It’s gonna be simple, no mucking about.’ And Paul did exactly what was needed in, like, 10 minutes.”

This collaboration is not their first rodeo—Jagger and McCartney’s musical paths have intertwined since the early 1960s. From co-writing The Rolling Stones’ second single ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ alongside John Lennon, to their iconic one-off performance of ‘Yer Blues’ in 1968, their friendship and mutual respect remain strong to this day.

More Star Power on Foreign Tongues

Alongside McCartney and Robert Smith, Foreign Tongues brings in other big names like Bruno Mars, who adds cowbell to the track ‘Never Wanna Lose You’. Chad Smith’s drumming on the cover of Chuck Berry’s ‘Beautiful Delilah’ adds even more energy to the album.

These collaborations symbolize the Stones’ timeless ability to connect with artists of all generations, continuously evolving while honoring their roots.

Looking Forward: The Rolling Stones Aren’t Slowing Down

Mick Jagger has confirmed there are no plans for retirement anytime soon. In fact, he’s already started writing new songs, though he’s considering passing some on to other artists.

The Stones’ journey is far from over, and their new album Foreign Tongues promises to be another milestone in their legendary career—a blend of homage, innovation, and heartfelt tribute.

FAQ

• What inspired the Rolling Stones to cover Amy Winehouse’s ‘You Know I’m No Good’?
  The band wanted to honor Amy’s talent and legacy, especially as her loss felt deeply personal to them, similar to losing another great vocalist like Billie Holiday.
• Who are some of the guest artists featured on ‘Foreign Tongues’?
  The album features Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, Bruno Mars, and Chad Smith, among others.
• How was Amy Winehouse’s relationship with the Rolling Stones?
  Amy was close with Ronnie Wood, and the band shared memorable moments like their performance together at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007.
• What was it like for Mick Jagger to work with Paul McCartney on the new album?
  Mick described it as “very easy,” praising Paul for his quick and perfect bass performance on the punk-influenced track ‘Covered In You’.
• Are the Rolling Stones planning to retire soon?
  No, Mick Jagger has confirmed they have no plans to retire and are actively writing new music.

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