|
Written by Bill German
|
|
Monday, 02 February 2009 02:00 |
|
Amidst all the hoopla of the recent inauguration, I was reminded of the one Stones connection to the festivities. It happened twenty years ago, when Ronnie Wood appeared as a guest performer at George Bush Senior's inaugural ball. He played behind Bo Diddley, Percy Sledge, and Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave fame). At one point in the proceedings, the new president took the stage. I've got a picture in "Under Their Thumb" of Ronnie standing next to Bush, and you can see how befuddled he looks. Also in the photo (and on guitar!) is Bush's late campaign manager, the controversial Lee Atwater. Following their onstage collaboration, Ronnie became Atwater's pal, despite their differing political views. Atwater used to play in a band with Percy Sledge and had recorded with Sam Moore, so Ronnie felt he had some rock 'n' roll credibility. (Moore, by the way, supported McCain in '08, and got annoyed when Obama used "Hold On, I'm Coming" as a campaign theme song at some rallies.)
|
