BACK in their 90s heyday, English rockers Reef supported the likes of Paul Weller, Soundgarden and The Rolling Stones. Now they find themselves with a son of a Rolling Stone as their lead guitarist – Jesse Wood, son of Ronnie.
Wood says it's a dream to be a full-time member of Reef, having replaced original guitarist Kenwyn House in 2014, joining up with Gary Stringer (vocals), Jack Bessant (bass) and Dom Greensmith (drums).
It’s been 20 years now since Reef released their biggest hit single, Place Your Hands, a song famously used in the (recently rebooted) 90s TV show TFI Friday for the 'It’s Your Letters’ segment.
The guitarist – who is married to TV presenter Fearne Cotton –- says the band are planning to record a new album, but at the minute they’re in the midst of a run of tour dates that takes them to Cork, Belfast and Dublin next week.
Have you enjoyed your Irish gigs to date?
Yeah, I’ve done gigs with my dad and some with my old band, Glyda. We used to play in Dublin a lot in the late 90s when Reef were also doing their thing. I love Ireland; it’s one of my favourite places in the whole wide world. I remember playing Witnness back in the day. We’d always go to see some good local bands in Eamonn Doran’s in Temple Bar too.
Did you enjoy getting to play with your dad and Slash when you did a tour together?
Yeah, that was about 15 years ago. So it was The Ronnie Wood Band with Slash. I was about 23 and Slash is a friend of our family. We played the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London and Vicar Street in Dublin and a few other places. When Slash came on stage, it was just an amazing and phenomenal vibe – you couldn’t hear the drums or anything and I was screaming Paradise City down the mic. It was great; it was like a dream.
How did you get asked to join Reef?
After the lovely Kenwyn, who’s a mate of mine, stepped down they had some gigs lined up and auditioned about nine guys. I was helping them find some guys and then Dom, the drummer – another old friend – called me and said 'Would you not try?’ and I said OK and swotted up on a few tunes. Then from the moment I walked in and we played the first note, it felt wonderful.
Had you been a fan of the band?
They were one of my favourite bands in the 90s. I was into them and Oasis and the Chili Peppers, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. I used to listen to their albums Replenish and Glow obsessively; they were great albums. So to get to be in the band now is a bit of a dream job. They’re lovely guys and it’s great now for me to be able to play the older Reef songs and get to connect with the crowd. The diehard fans have been very welcoming to me.
Did your dad Ronnie give you much advice about pursuing a career in music?
I grew up with my mum because my mum and dad were separated, but my dad was always around and my uncles are musicians. We’d never sit down and chat about it; I’ve been lucky enough just to see it and be around it and be taken in with open arms by my dad and the Stones and the musicians my dad and uncles have worked with; it all goes in. I’m not the greatest guitar player by any means but I’m always learning and I put 100 per cent into it and it’s great fun. I love touring. I’d gig every day if I could.
What are some of your favourite Rolling Stones songs?
I’ve always loved Can’t You Hear Me Knocking, Gimme Shelter, Rip This Joint, Angie and You Can’t Always Get What You Want. But I love all of them, really.
Would you be happy for any of your own children to go into the music business?
I’ll let them follow what they love. If they want to do it, that’s fine by me.
The rest of the Reef guys look particularly hairy and beardy these days. Are you planning to grow your own beard?!
I’m not capable. I could try for weeks or years but I just get bum-fluff (laughs). But I think the guys look great.
Reef play The Limelight in Belfast on Friday April 15 at 8pm, with support from Mundy. For tickets (£17.50), visit www.limelightbelfast.com. They also play Cyprus Avenue in Cork on April 13 and The Academy in Dublin on April 14 (www.reefband.com).
