Ian 'H' Watkins Reflects on His Unique Friendship with Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones
On April 18, 2025
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- A Modern Musical Friendship
- Bridging Generational Gaps
- The Changing Landscape of Music
- The Emotional Connection Between Artists
- Musical Development and Future Prospects
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Key Highlights
- Ian 'H' Watkins of Steps shares insights about his friendship with Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, emphasizing the personal connections rather than professional acclaim.
- Despite the generational and stylistic differences between the two artists, their shared experiences, particularly as parents of twins, create a bond between them.
- The latest developments regarding The Rolling Stones and their evolving music projects illustrate the ongoing evolution of iconic rock bands amidst changing musical landscapes.
Introduction
In the vibrant world of music, connections often transcend age and genre. When Ian 'H' Watkins, best known as a dynamic member of the pop group Steps, shared his experiences with veteran rock musician Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, it painted a portrait of an unexpected yet meaningful friendship. When asked about Wood, Watkins remarked that he is quite fond of the legendary guitarist, yet humorously noted, “I don’t expect him to know who Steps are.” Such interactions resonate deeply, revealing how personal connections can reside within vast generational and stylistic divides.
This article delves into the nature of their friendship, explores the musical careers of both artists, and highlights the broader implications of their differing but intersecting worlds.
A Modern Musical Friendship
Watkins and Wood's friendship is not merely a headline-making anecdote; it is rooted in genuine experiences and familial bonds. Over the years, Watkins has developed a close friendship with Wood's wife, Sally, acknowledging the whims of fate that have unfolded over time. He revealed, “I’ve known her for, like, 20 years. By coincidence, they have twins and I have twins, and they were born like a month apart.” Their shared journey as parents has laid the foundation for regular FaceTime calls and meetups, nurturing an unusual but heartfelt relationship.
This relationship exemplifies how musicians from different eras and genres can find common ground. While Wood performs in grand stadiums to throngs of fans, Steps’ repertoire, marked by infectious pop anthems, resonates with a different audience. Yet, despite their divergent paths, the human experiences they share forge a bond that transcends the superficialities of fame.
Bridging Generational Gaps
The differences in musical backgrounds and public recognition highlight significant generational divides in the music industry. Steps, which gained traction in the late 1990s, propelled pop music’s appeal with catchy dance tracks like "Tragedy" and "Deeper Shade of Blue." Their unique choreography and stylized presentations became emblematic of pop culture during that era.
Conversely, The Rolling Stones have long been regarded as pioneers of rock music, influencing countless artists and shaping the musical landscape as we know it. Wood's contributions are key to their sustained success over decades, underscoring how rock music has evolved and adapted. Despite this disparity, both artists express mutual respect and admiration. Watkins reflects that whenever he sees Wood, the greeting is warm yet slightly comedic: “He’s like, ‘H!!’, I’m like, ‘Ha…Hi Ronnie’.”
This mutual recognition imbues the friendship with a light-heartedness, illustrating how artists can embody both humility and humor at the crossroads of their illustrious careers.
The Changing Landscape of Music
As the music industry evolves, the implications of such friendships extend beyond personal relationships. Both Steps and The Rolling Stones have had to navigate significant shifts within the industry, responding to new forms of musical consumption and the unpredictable nature of popular taste.
The Rise of Pop vs. Rock
The resurgence of retro influences in mainstream music has led to a rekindled interest in both pop and rock. The Rolling Stones’ recent album, Hackney Diamonds, serves as a testament to their ongoing relevance, showcasing new material and featuring collaborations with contemporary artists like Lady Gaga and Elton John. This album represents The Rolling Stones' relentless pursuit of innovation while also paying homage to their roots, affirming their status within the rock pantheon.
Similarly, Steps have also evolved, participating in reunion tours and engaging with not only long-time fans but also new audiences drawn in by a collective nostalgia for the 1990s. Their approach highlights the cyclical nature of music trends, demonstrating that pop, too, can reinvigorate its legacy through new creative expressions.
Impacts on Audience and Legacy
These trajectories raise vital questions about how generational audiences engage with music and what legacies they uphold. The intermingling of pop and rock sensibilities—evident in steps like Balearic beats in rock, and rock-inspired melodies in pop—illustrates a blending of norms that challenges historical categorizations of genre. The icons of yesterday, like Wood and Steps, embody this evolution endemic to the industry.
The Emotional Connection Between Artists
At the heart of any friendship lies emotional resonance, and this connection is palpable in the dynamic between Watkins and Wood. The mutual support they provide demonstrates that, regardless of their stature in the industry, there is value in human interactions that stem from shared experiences.
Watkins’ remarks about teaching Wood some dance moves bring a playful edge to their exchanges, hinting at a desire to bridge the gap—both literally and metaphorically. This reflects a broader cultural trend where artists engage playfully with one another, often merging different aspects of their careers for the sake of creating connection and community.
Musical Development and Future Prospects
With both artists firmly entrenched in their respective careers, future collaborations are not entirely off the table. There’s an underlying question of whether their professional paths will ever converge, perhaps on stage or in the studio, demonstrating that the possibilities for collaboration are endless.
Continuing Legacies
As they both continue to create and reimagine their music, they are shaping legacies that are both individual and intertwined. Wood’s continued evolution within The Rolling Stones narrative serves to inspire a new generation of musicians, while Steps’ resurgence illustrates how persistent nostalgia can reignite audience interest in pop.
Their dialogues, whether spoken directly or expressed through their music, symbolize where the music industry is heading—a more integrated community where genres, artists, and audiences coalesce into a more profound musical experience.
Conclusion
Ian 'H' Watkins and Ronnie Wood's friendship underscores the beauty of human connections in music, highlighting how shared experiences can bridge generational divides and foster mutual appreciation. Theirs is a story that reminds audiences that while fame may differentiate their paths, it is the grounding experiences of life, family, and friendship that bring meaning and depth to their legacies.
FAQ
What is the nature of Ian 'H' Watkins' friendship with Ronnie Wood? Watkins describes his friendship with Wood as "bizarre" yet warm, highlighting the bond they formed over their mutual families and experiences.
What are some of Steps' most popular songs? Some of Steps' notable tracks include "Tragedy," "Deeper Shade of Blue," and "One for Sorrow," which helped define their place in pop music history.
How has The Rolling Stones' music changed over the years? The Rolling Stones have continuously evolved their musical style, incorporating contemporary influences while maintaining their rock roots, exemplified by their latest album Hackney Diamonds.
What collaborations has Ronnie Wood been involved with in recent years? Wood has collaborated with a virtual who's who of music in Hackney Diamonds, including Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Paul McCartney, further solidifying his place in music history.
How do collaborations between different genres affect the music industry? Collaboration between artists from different genres fosters innovation and creativity, expanding audience reach and reviving interest in various musical styles.
Join the Club!
Join Now, Starting at $44
Quality music. Delivered to your inbox.
Exclusive 15% Off for Teachers, Students, Military members, Healthcare professionals & First Responders - Get Verified!
FREE ${item.title}
You qualify for a free ${item.title}!
Shop more qualifying products
here.
