Rod Stewart and Ron Wood went from political jabs on an open mic to a full-throated Faces reunion performance at the King’s Trust Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall.
When Rod Stewart and Ron Wood stepped into the receiving line at the Royal Albert Hall. they didn’t just speak politely to King Charles.. Stewart used the moment to praise the King’s American visit and then launched into a political dig. telling Charles: “Hello. Sir. may I say. well done with the Americans. ” before adding. “You were superb. absolutely superb.. You put that little ratbag in his place.”
The exchange made quick rounds far beyond the palace corridors. But later that same day, the focus shifted from rhetoric to riffs, as Stewart and Wood reunited onstage for the King’s Trust Celebration concert.
The pair performed “Ooh La Laa” and “Good Rockin’ Tonight” with Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. turning the Royal Albert Hall into a spotlight for a band that has long been spoken about like a nearly finished job.. Wood handled most of the vocals on “Ooh La Laa. ” matching his role on the original 1973 Faces recording. while Stewart sang lead on “Good Rockin’ Tonight. ” recorded with Holland in 2024 for their collaborative LP Swing Fever.
Founded by King Charles in 1976, the Prince’s Trust backs young people across England who are dealing with economic uncertainty.. The Royal Albert Hall has been a recurring stage for that mission: the first Prince’s Trust fundraising concert there was held in 1982. featuring Kate Bush. Phil Collins. Pete Townshend. Madness. and Robert Plant.. Over the years. follow-up events have included performances from Mick Jagger. Elton John. George Michael. Sting. Eric Clapton. Tom Jones. and Mike and the Mechanics.
This year’s concert also brought appearances by Rita Ora, Craig David, and Anne-Marie, along with George and Amal Clooney. Still, it was the mini Faces reunion that stood out.
For fans, the big question is what comes after the applause.. Stewart and Wood have been circling the idea of recording a Faces reunion album with drummer Kenney Jones for years. and Jones recently suggested it may be closer than people think.. In an interview with The Telegraph. he said the group has already recorded 11 songs. adding: “Not all of them are going to be right [for the album].”
Jones continued, “But most of them are good.. I can’t see it coming out this year.. But I can see it coming out next year. ” before pointing to the messy reality of modern schedules: “Everyone’s doing different things.. We do little snippets [of recording] here and there.. Then all of a sudden, the Stones are out [on tour] again, Rod’s out again…”
Rod Stewart, for his part, has plenty stacked on his calendar. He resumes his residency at Caesar’s Palace on May 27, then plays amphitheaters and arenas across North America over the summer before returning to Vegas in August.
The other tour talk is complicated by timing.. The piece notes the Stones haven’t played a show since July 2024.. It also says they decided against touring Europe in 2025 and 2026 after venues were already on hold. and that they have no plans at the moment to play shows in support of their upcoming LP. Native Tongues.
Even with that, the reunion record remains a slow-burn promise. Jones is right about one thing at least: the songs aren’t likely to appear all at once. But with Wood booking a handful of solo shows in Europe this summer, the band’s studio work still has a window to open.
And for now, the Royal Albert Hall delivered what fans have been waiting to hear: the sound of Faces showing up—at full volume—before the next deadline gets written into music news.
Rod Stewart Ron Wood Faces reunion King’s Trust Celebration King Charles Royal Albert Hall Ooh La Laa Good Rockin’ Tonight Jools Holland Kenney Jones Prince’s Trust