Ronnie Wood Shares Heartfelt Brian Wilson Tribute on Rolling Stones’ ‘Foreign Tongues’: “The Feeling Came Out Through My Guitar, In Just One Take”

Ronnie Wood reveals his emotional guitar tribute to Brian Wilson on the Rolling Stones’ new album ‘Foreign Tongues’—a soulful moment captured in a single take.

A Tribute Born from Emotion

There’s something truly powerful when a musician channels grief and admiration into their art, and Ronnie Wood’s tribute to Brian Wilson on the Rolling Stones’ upcoming album Foreign Tongues is exactly that kind of heartfelt expression. If you’ve ever felt music as a direct line to the soul, you’ll understand just how Wood’s guitar became the voice of his feelings.

The Beach Boys’ iconic Brian Wilson, who passed away in June last year due to respiratory arrest, left a profound impact on many artists, including Wood. While working in the studio on Foreign Tongues, Wood learned of Wilson’s death and felt compelled to express his sorrow and respect through his instrument.

Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Wood explained how he sat down and played a nine-minute guitar solo, pouring out the emotions stirred by Wilson’s passing. “I was so moved that day, and disappointed and sad, I had so much feeling because Brian Wilson died. I’ll never forget,” he said.

That raw, spontaneous solo was recorded in one take and later trimmed to about five minutes to fit into the track titled “Back In Your Life.” Wood reflected, "It came out through my guitar, the feeling, in just one take. I didn’t do that, the guitar played itself."

The Rolling Stones’ New Chapter: ‘Foreign Tongues’

This new album, Foreign Tongues, is the latest chapter in the Rolling Stones’ legendary journey, coming over 60 years after they first shook the music world. The band has been teasing the album for weeks, finally confirming the title and release date, alongside exciting guest appearances by the likes of Paul McCartney and Robert Smith.

The Stones marked the album’s arrival with a launch event in New York City, where they spoke about their drive to push their musical boundaries even further. Given their decades of experience, it’s inspiring to see these rock icons still hungry to evolve and innovate.

The album was completed in under a month at Metropolis Studios in West London, with producer Andrew Watt—who also contributed to their previous 2024 release Hackney Diamonds—at the helm. The quick turnaround speaks volumes about the band's chemistry and creative spark.

More Than Just Ronnie’s Tribute

Foreign Tongues isn’t just about paying homage to Brian Wilson. Alongside Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Wood himself, the record boasts one of the final recordings from the late drummer Charlie Watts, who passed away in 2021. This adds a layer of poignancy to the album, a testament to the band’s enduring legacy.

The record also features contributions from other notable musicians, including Steve Winwood and Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, making it a collaborative celebration of rock and its many influences.

Tracks and Teasers: What We Know So Far

Fans have gotten a taste of the new sound with the lead single “Rough and Twisted,” initially released under the alias “The Cockroaches” before the band officially announced the album. Another track, “In The Stars,” dropped digitally on May 5, with a physical release set for May 15.

While the full tracklist remains a mystery, the Fallon interview hinted at some exciting inclusions: the emotional “Back In Your Life” featuring Wood’s Wilson tribute and a cover of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good.” With 14 songs total, Foreign Tongues promises a diverse and rich listening experience.

The album is slated for release on July 10 via Polydor/Universal Music, and pre-orders are already live for eager fans.

Touring and Legacy: What’s Next for the Stones?

While the band remains active in the studio, they’re taking it slow on the touring front. Plans for a UK and European stadium tour in 2026 were canceled after Keith Richards said he couldn’t commit, showing the realities of maintaining such a legendary group over decades.

However, the Stones have been on the road recently, with their 2024 Hackney Diamonds North American tour ranking sixth among the highest-grossing music tours worldwide. Their last UK shows were in 2022, including iconic performances in London’s BST Hyde Park and a stadium concert in Liverpool.

This blend of new music, heartfelt tributes, and selective touring paints a picture of a band still deeply connected to their roots, yet embracing the present with fresh creativity.

A Guitar Solo That Speaks Volumes

What stands out about Wood’s Brian Wilson tribute is its spontaneity and sincerity. The fact that the guitar solo was played in a single take underscores the deep emotional connection Wood felt, transcending technical skill and tapping straight into the heart.

It’s a beautiful reminder of how music can serve as both an outlet and a memorial, bridging artists and fans across time. As Wood put it, “I didn’t do that, the guitar played itself.”

"I was so moved that day, and disappointed and sad, I had so much feeling because Brian Wilson died. I’ll never forget."

— Ronnie Wood

FAQ

• How did Ronnie Wood pay tribute to Brian Wilson on ‘Foreign Tongues’?
  Wood recorded a heartfelt nine-minute guitar solo in one take, expressing his emotions about Wilson’s passing, later edited into the track “Back In Your Life.”
• When is the Rolling Stones’ album ‘Foreign Tongues’ releasing?
  The album is set to release on July 10 via Polydor/Universal Music.
• Are there any notable guest artists featured on ‘Foreign Tongues’?
  Yes, the album includes contributions from Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
• Is there a tour planned to support the new album?
  No extensive tour is planned currently; the band canceled their UK and European stadium tour for 2026 due to Keith Richards’ unavailability.
• Which tracks from the new album have been released so far?
  “Rough and Twisted” and “In The Stars” have been released, with “Back In Your Life” expected to feature Wood’s tribute.

Feel the pulse of rock history with Foreign Tongues and celebrate the moments that shape music forever. And if you’re inspired by the artistry and nostalgia, why not shop your favorite album cover poster at our store? They make perfect additions to any music lover’s space and keep the spirit of these legends alive. Visit Architeg Prints to find your perfect piece.