How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary

Wood's original handwritten diary is shared here for the first time, giving unique insight into his life and the period. Throughout the diary, Wood reflects on the words he wrote 50 years ago, in a new manuscript of over 12,000 words. Wood discusses memories of the Birds, The Jeff Beck Group, the Faces and the Rolling Stones, recounting stories of the breakups, breakdowns, cars and guitars that began his journey to superstardom. How Can It Be? features an introduction by Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones and an endnote from Ali MacKenzie of The Birds. Wood shares original artworks inspired by his diary. Friends such as The Who are featured, as are early influences including Howlin' Wolf. Others depict everyday life: loading a van, or pushing a car home. New anecdotes are personally reproduced in Wood's own calligraphy. The book includes unseen photographs taken by Wood's friends, family and bandmates, depicting strange photocalls, road trips and high-energy performances. Archival images of Ronnie Wood and his contemporaries illustrate events in the diary, from seeing the Stones on TV to filming alongside Marianne Faithfull. Rare memorabilia such as newspapers, contracts and posters feature throughout. In 1965, The Birds recorded and released Ronnie Wood's song, 'How Can It Be?' 50 years later, Wood has recreated this song, especially for his book. This new version is available as a download, exclusively for readers of How Can It Be?