Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood Shares How Paul McCartney Threw Him a Surprise Pre-Tour Bash Featuring Neil Young
The Rolling Stones kicked off their highly anticipated 2024 tour in Houston on April 28, celebrating their latest album Hackney Diamonds. But backstage at the show, guitarist Ronnie Wood revealed an unforgettable moment that happened earlier — a surprise party thrown by none other than Paul McCartney, complete with a very special guest: Neil Young.
Speaking with The U.S. Sun, Wood shared how he and the band were deep into rehearsals in Los Angeles when McCartney dropped by to offer support and guidance. “Paul is amazing — really supportive,” Wood said. “He came to a few rehearsals and gave us some fantastic input.”
But the surprises didn’t stop there. Before the tour kicked off, McCartney threw a heartfelt going-away party for Ronnie and his wife, Sally. “Paul invited Neil Young as a surprise guest,” Wood recalled. “It was such a beautiful evening.”
Fans might recall that McCartney also lent his bass talents to Hackney Diamonds, playing on the punk-infused track “Bite My Head Off.”
Old Friends Reunite
Wood spoke fondly of his friendship with Neil Young, whom he hadn’t seen in years. “Neil’s an old buddy,” Wood said. “We’re planning to catch up again soon at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.”
Interestingly, both The Rolling Stones and Neil Young & Crazy Horse are headlining this year’s festival in New Orleans — the Stones on May 2, and Young on May 4 — promising fans two unforgettable nights of legendary music.
Grinding to Get Back on Stage
Reflecting on the months of preparation leading up to the tour, Wood noted, “We had our noses to the grindstone in LA, rehearsing for five weeks straight. It’s about getting back into the stadium groove.”
Their Houston setlist was a thrilling mix of timeless classics and fresh tracks from Hackney Diamonds. “We owe it to our fans to bring the big hits,” Wood said. “But we also love mixing in new songs — that’s what keeps it exciting.”
For Fans: Collectible Set Lists
Wood continues a fan-favorite tradition by creating hand-drawn set lists for each concert, now available as limited-edition prints. Houston’s set list is already up for grabs on Wood’s online store, with upcoming shows’ prints available for pre-order. Each print comes with a special guitar pick — a unique collectible priced at $100 for the first 750 buyers.
Tour Dates & Tickets
The Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds tour rolls on through the summer, featuring 19 shows across major stadiums, including multiple nights at MetLife Stadium (NJ), Soldier Field (Chicago), and SoFi Stadium (California). Tickets are available now through various platforms, including StubHub.
With legendary surprises like Paul McCartney’s surprise party and the reunion with Neil Young, plus a setlist mixing classic hits and new gems, this tour is shaping up to be a historic chapter in rock ‘n’ roll history. Don’t miss out!
