Ronnie Wood has angrily denied claims that he has teamed up with his ex-wife to auction off stacks of Rolling Stones memorabilia.
It was reported earlier today that Wood and his former spouse Jo, who separated in 2011 following allegations that Wood had an extra-marital affair with a waitress – were selling off their shared possessions, which included a wealth of Rolling Stones-related items.
The collection spans four decades of the band’s history and includes everything from custom-painted Fender Stratocasters, tour clothing and backstage passes to portraits painted by Wood of fellow rock elder statesmen Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards.
However, a representative for Wood has released a statement insisting that he has nothing to do with the auction. “Ronnie was asked by Jo some time ago if he wished to add some items to an auction and he said he did not want to participate,” they said. “He is therefore shocked and disappointed that this auction is being misrepresented as a joint sale. This is not the case.”
They added: “Furthermore he is staggered that some of the items being offered at the auction are clearly his personal belongings, which did not pass to Jo as part of the divorce proceedings.
“The Tour Clothes being offered belong to The Rolling Stones and are not hers to sell. Ronnie feels saddened that Jo has taken this course of action and wants the public to know he has NOT teamed up with Jo on this outrageous sale.”
The goods are set to go under the hammer at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills on October 27. Speaking earlier about the collection, the auction house’s Darren Julien predicted that the sale would go “very well”. He also seemingly contradicted Woods’ statement about the auction by claiming that the former spouses were “still very good friends” and had “just decided it was time to simplify and sell some of their property”.
The Rolling Stones will a brand new Greatest Hits compilation in November titled GRRR! in November. The collection, which is being released to coincide with the band’s 50th anniversary, will feature two brand new songs, “Gloom And Doom” and “One Last Shot”, which were recorded in Paris last month. This is the first new material the band have recorded since their 2005 album A Bigger Bang.