Imelda May lit up London on Friday night as she stepped on stage with Ronnie Wood for his long‑awaited solo performance — the Rolling Stones guitarist’s first in more than 16 years.
The Dublin star, 52, joined the rock icon at the O2 Forum Kentish Town, bringing her trademark fire and swagger to a night packed with die‑hard fans, family and a whole lot of rock‑and‑roll history.
Ronnie, 79, was supported from the wings by his wife Sally and their 10‑year‑old twins, while Imelda took centre stage beside him.
The two have worked together multiple times, including the 2023 Jeff Beck Tribute Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, where Imelda’s powerhouse vocals and Ronnie’s blues‑infused guitar made headlines.
Friday’s show felt like a continuation of that magic, and their on‑stage chemistry is no surprise. Imelda has long been admired by rock royalty, from Jeff Beck to Noel Gallagher, and Ronnie counts her among his closest musical allies.
Her ability to slip between rockabilly, jazz and blues makes her the perfect foil for Ronnie’s raw guitar style.
The gig also comes ahead of Ronnie’s upcoming European and Latin American tour dates, where Imelda will once again join him, marking a major moment for Irish fans who’ve watched her rise from Dublin’s Liberties to Grammy stages, global festivals and now the Rolling Stones orbit.
It’s been a huge year for Ronnie too. He, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards recently recorded their new album Foreign Tongues, featuring appearances from Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Robert Smith and even the late Charlie Watts.
The Dublin singer also spoke about her long friendship with the Rolling Stones legend, writing: ‘I’m so lucky to get to make music with one of my dearest friends for many years who just happens to be a total world‑class legend!’.
She added that she ‘cannot wait for the rest of this tour’ and promised more unforgettable nights ahead.
Giving those at home a taste of what the night entailed, Imelda posted a video and said, ‘Wow, what a first night of Ronnie Wood tour!!! Epic night! I watched each face of the packed and wonderful crowd start to realise how very special this show is. (You all get it !)’
She went on to say, ‘It’s a ‘for one night only’ kinda vibe when you really take in the fact that you’re watching and listening to originators of music we all love, still delivering with wild passion and full throttle. The groove is contagious. The band is a supergroup.’
And of course, mentioning the main man himself, ‘Ronnie is on fire as a player, writer and natural frontman, and I think it’s clear to see we all love making music together. I’m so lucky to get to make music with one of my dearest friends for many years who just happens to be a total world-class legend!!!!! Cannot wait for the rest of this tour to share such an incredible night with you.’
