Further to our post last week, it appears Ron Wood still hasn't paid up the money he so obviously owes the excellent rock photographer Robert Matheu. There is some rumble that he may pay up on some legal fees for the galleries named in the suit, but not so much as a nod to settle with Matheu.
Ron Wood sold lithographs of paintings which were self evidently taken from Matheu's original photograph. Most likely because Matheu is one of the few humans whos lens was forgiving enough to show Ron in a flattering light.
Matheu is a classic rock photographer from the 1970s, whose work is a in a league with the Joe Stevens and Mick Rocks of the world, Robert came to prominence with Creem Magazine (obviously a big influence on rock nyc) and in 2001 was part of the group that rebooted the boy howdy classic.
Why Wood is being an asshole, (or is it all his attorneys?) I don't know. Matheu's pictures of the Faces (15 of them!) have appeared in the booklet along with the excellent box set Five Men Walk into A Bar, so there is zero way Ronnie can claim ignorance or serendipity. I mean, there isn't that much vodka or that many 18 year old Russian chicks in the world for Wood to have forgotten.
Indeed, a Matheu pictures appeared in Wood's own Crossexion Best of collection, along with another photo of Ron from the same show, Cobo Arena Detroit Valentine's Day 1975.
So what gives? You got me, but we are trying to get to the bottom of it. It’s not as if Matheu just disappeared. The guy is still active having just covered Wanda Jackson and Jack White, let alone the work with the Stooges book and Raw Power box set that he produced with Iggy Pop.
I say its time to make some noise. Obviously, Wood has experienced some memory loss due to his rock and roll lifestyle. I suggest we tap the geezer on the shoulder til he makes things right.