Ronnie Wood is “pleased” The Rolling Stones are returning to Hyde Park after 44 years because he “never thought” it would happen.
The band will return this summer to the central London venue where they bid farewell to late guitarist Brian Jones just two days after the musician’s 1969 death.
Frontman Mick Jagger famously read a poem in tribute to his former bandmate and a field of concertgoers saw thousands of butterflies released from the stage.
Mick Taylor was introduced as the band’s new guitarist, only to be replaced by Ronnie Wood in 1975.
Speaking to UK newspaper The Sun Ronnie admitted that concert remains one of the band’s most poignant in their 50-year career.
He was stunned to be given the opportunity to play with the band at the venue.
“I never thought the Stones would do it, to be quite honest. But it’s come to fruition and it’s very pleasing,” he confessed.
The summer concert follows a string of sold-out 50th anniversary shows Ronnie played alongside Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts at London’s O2 arena and New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Their July 6 show at Hyde Park will follow a month after they play at the legendary Glastonbury festival for the first time.
It's rumoured the band is in talks for a North American tour later this year.
Ronnie seemed to hint there may be some truth to those reports.
“We’ll have a few months off,” he said, adding, “I can’t see it ending.”
Confirmed dates are:
TBC, Los Angeles, Staples Center
May 5, Oakland, Oracle Arena
May 8, San Jose, HP Pavilion
May 11, Las Vegas, MGM Grand
May 15, Anaheim, Honda Center
May 25, Toronto, Air Canada Centre
May 28, Chicago, United Center
June 12, Boston, TD Garden
June 18, Philadelphia, Wells Fargo Center
June 29, Glastonbury Festival
July 6, London, Hyde Park
