In the pantheon of rock and roll partnerships, few are as electric, storied, and beloved as that of guitarist Ronnie Wood and vocalist Rod Stewart. Theirs is a tale forged in the fiery crucible of late-60s British blues-rock, a bond that defined the swagger and soul of one of the greatest bar bands of all time, The Faces. For decades, fans have clung to the hope of a true, meaningful musical reunion. And now, in a moment that feels both startling and destined, the wait is over. Ronnie Wood has exclusively confirmed the news that will send shockwaves through the music world: he and Rod Stewart are back in the studio, actively working on new music together.

This isn’t just a rumor or a whispered hope; it’s a reality. The two old friends, whose intertwined careers have scaled the highest peaks of rock stardom, are once again creating side-by-side. The confirmation from Wood himself transforms years of speculation into a thrilling promise of what’s to come. It’s a reunion that feels less like a nostalgic victory lap and more like a piece of unfinished business between two artists whose creative chemistry is the stuff of legend.

To understand the magnitude of this moment, one must trace the story back to its roots. Before they were global superstars, they were just two ambitious lads in the Jeff Beck Group. It was there, in the late 1960s, that the blueprint for their dynamic was drafted. Stewart’s raspy, soulful howl found its perfect counterpart in Wood’s fluid, blues-drenched guitar lines. Together, with Beck’s pyrotechnics, they created a sound that was heavy, melodic, and deeply influential. But it was after the combustible breakup of that band that their true legacy was cemented.

In 1969, Wood and Stewart joined the remaining members of the Small Faces—Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones, and Ronnie Lane—to form The Faces. What followed was a glorious, chaotic, and brilliant five-year run. The Faces weren’t just a band; they were a gang, a traveling party that invited everyone in. Their music was a joyous concoction of rock and roll, folk, soul, and barroom blues, encapsulated in timeless anthems like “Stay With Me,” “Ooh La La,” and “Had Me a Real Good Time.”

On stage, the chemistry between Wood and Stewart was the heart of the show. They were brothers in arms, sharing microphones, inside jokes, and a bottle of whatever was on hand. Stewart, the preening, charismatic frontman, and Wood, the effortlessly cool guitarist, a grinning whirlwind of energy, created a visual and sonic partnership for the ages. Their interplay was loose, spontaneous, and utterly captivating. It was this authentic, ramshackle spirit that endeared them to millions and solidified their status as rock royalty.

But as is often the case, such intense flames are not destined to burn forever. Stewart’s parallel solo career began to eclipse the band’s success, creating internal tensions. In 1975, the inevitable happened: Ronnie Wood accepted an offer to join The Rolling Stones, and Rod Stewart committed fully to his meteoric solo stardom. The party was over.

In the ensuing decades, their paths, while separate, remained legendary. Stewart became one of the best-selling music artists of all time, a global icon with a catalog spanning rock, disco, and the Great American Songbook. Wood, as a permanent member of “the greatest rock and roll band in the world,” cemented his own legacy, his signature weaving guitar style becoming an essential part of the Stones’ sound.

Though they remained firm friends, their musical collaborations have been frustratingly rare. There were one-off guest appearances at concerts, a handful of tracks on a solo album here and there, and a brief, celebrated reunion of The Faces in 2015. But a dedicated, focused studio project from just the two of them—the core duo—remained the ultimate “what if” for fans.

This is what makes Wood’s confirmation so profound. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about reclaiming a magic that has been dormant for far too long. The question on everyone’s mind is, what will this new music sound like? Will they tap into the boozy, rollicking energy of their Faces heyday, crafting rock anthems filled with heart and swagger? Or will they explore a more mature, reflective sound, drawing from the deep wells of blues and folk that have always underpinned their work?

One can imagine an album that embraces both. Picture the raw, bluesy guitar riffs that only Ronnie Wood can conjure, laying the foundation for that unmistakable voice—a voice that, even after all these years, can convey heartbreak, joy, and raw passion in a single phrase. There is an authenticity to their partnership that time cannot erode. They came from the same school of rock and roll, a school where feel and emotion trump technical perfection every time.

This reunion is also a testament to their enduring friendship. In an industry known for its rivalries and fractured relationships, the bond between Wood and Stewart has weathered the storms of fame, fortune, and time. Their shared history, their inside jokes, the triumphs and tragedies they’ve navigated—all of it will undoubtedly be poured into the music they are creating. This won’t be a sterile, phoned-in effort. It will be the sound of two old mates getting together, plugging in, and doing the one thing they were born to do.

As the news begins to spread, the anticipation will build to a fever pitch. A new album from Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart in 2025 is more than just a musical event; it’s a cultural one. It’s a reminder that true creative sparks never die. It’s a gift to the generations of fans who grew up with their music and a chance for a new generation to discover the potent magic that happens when these two rock and roll legends share a studio. The lads are back in town, and the world is waiting to listen.