Ronnie Wood recording new album

Ronnie Wood is recording a solo album inspired by his marriage split.

The Rolling Stones guitarist is working alone for the first time in eight years, and is drawing on the end of his 23-year marriage to wife Jo Wood for inspiration.

A source said: "Ronnie had a pretty turbulent year breaking up with Jo and finding new love with Ekaterina Ivanova so he's got plenty to write about on his new record."

Ronnie's album, which is being produced by former Black Grape guitarist Danny Saber and features Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, is due for release later this year. The 63-year-old rocker's marriage to Jo ended when he fled to Ireland for a 10-day drinking binge with 20-year-old Russian waitress Ekaterina, who he has now set up home with.

Meanwhile, Ronnie's former The Faces bandmate Ian McLagan has revealed ex-Sex Pistols star Glen Matlock almost joined the group for their failed reunion this year. The group - which also included singer Rod Stewart and drummer Kenney Jones - needed a bassist to replace Ronnie Lane, who passed away in 1997, and the keyboardist wanted to ask the punk star.

He said: "Ronnie wanted Flea. I wanted Glen Matlock. Rod wanted his guy from his band. "I was thinking why not get Glen Matlock to do it because his whole career is based around Ronnie Lane. He started playing to Small Faces and Faces songs. He gets it but I don't think Flea does. Flea is great with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but it's a different thing."

The Faces had been expected to perform several reunion concerts this year, but the plans were aborted by singer Rod who wanted to continue with his solo work. The Faces was formed with members from two bands, the Small Faces and the Jeff Beck group, in 1969 and eventually split in 1975.