The Night Ronnie Wood Played While Sick With The Flu — And Said “Keith Carried Me”

April 1, 2025

The night was dark and filled with the hum of anticipation as fans lined up outside the venue, eager to witness rock legends The Rolling Stones take the stage. It was 2003, and Ronnie Wood, the band’s lively guitarist, felt anything but legendary. He was battling the flu, his body heavy and aching, but the thought of disappointing his fans tore at his heart more than the illness itself. As he took a deep breath, he knew he was in for a challenge.

Backstage, everything felt surreal. The lights were dim, the air thick with the scent of sweat and excitement. Ronnie leaned against a wall, shivering in the cool air, hoping that adrenaline would kick in once he stepped into the spotlight. “Keith carried me,” he would later say, referring to his bandmate and closest friend, the legendary Keith Richards. Now, that wasn’t meant to be taken literally—Keith wasn’t physically carrying him, but rather acting as his rock, lifting his spirits and providing the strength he needed to go on. Ronnie could feel the warmth of their camaraderie, a bond that had been forged through decades of performing and surviving the highs and lows of life in the music industry.

As the lights blared to life and the crowd erupted in cheers, Ronnie stepped onto the stage, holding his guitar tightly. The moment he saw the sea of faces shining back at him, something inside him shifted. The flu may have robbed him of energy, but it couldn’t steal the passion he felt for music. With each note he played, he could feel the audience’s energy flowing through him, filling the gaps left by his illness. It was as if they were all connected by an invisible thread, weaving a tapestry of shared love for rock and roll.

They opened with “Start Me Up,” a song that always ignited the crowd’s fervor. Ronnie struggled at first, his hands shaky and his voice a little weak. But Keith was there every step of the way, playing his guitar with fierce determination and making eye contact with Ronnie, encouraging him to keep pushing through. With each chorus, Ronnie found his footing, the rhythm overtaking his sickness. It wasn’t just a performance; it felt like a battle, and he was determined to win.

By the end of the night, Ronnie was drenched in sweat but alive with the thrill of the music. The crowd roared their approval, and he basked in the applause, feeling more invigorated than ever. He realized that the performance had not only been a test of his physical strength but also a reaffirmation of his love for music and the enduring power of friendship. The flu had tried to take him down, but instead, it became a testament to his resilience and the bond he shared with his bandmates.

In the days that followed, the story of that night would spread far and wide. Ronnie Wood had battled through the flu to deliver an unforgettable performance, and it served as a reminder to many of the sacrifices artists make for their art. More than just a moment in his career, it became a defining experience that inspired Ronnie to push through challenges, both on and off stage. He looked back at that night with pride, knowing that music truly has the power to heal, unite, and empower, even in the face of adversity.