When the Rolling Stones play the blues on stage it is Mick Jagger who has the harmonica.
But Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood will demonstrate his own skill on the instrument when he and Mick Taylor — who he replaced in the band in 1975 — perform together in a tribute concert to the American blues musician Jimmy Reed.
Wood, 66, is even learning how to play harmonica with the type of harness used by his hero Reed, who died aged 50 in 1976.
“He is overlooked, he’s not a household name. Doing this concert I’m hoping it will be a bit educational — for us and the audience. I’m going to try to get the songs as authentic as possible,” he said. Bobby Womack and Mick Hucknall will also play in the grand finale of the London BluesFest at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday.
Taylor, 64, said: “It’s great to hear Ronnie play the harmonica. We’re having a lot of fun.”
