254. Bernard Fowler: Ronnie Wood, Kildare & a Very Irish Taxi Story | Part 3
1 November 2026
About This Episode
What happens when a Rolling Stones backing singer gets stranded in the Irish countryside?
In Episode 254 of The Ireland Podcast, Bernard Fowler joins Fender Jackson for Part 3 of their four-part conversation about his extraordinary life in music.
The episode opens with a remarkable story from Bernard's time staying at Ronnie Wood's home in County Kildare while working on Ronnie's album 'Slide on This'.
After a night out in Dublin, Bernard finds himself stranded when his taxi breaks down. A second driver has no idea where to take him, leading to an unexpected encounter with a local Garda who recognises Bernard's description and knows exactly where he is staying.
The conversation then turns to Bernard's musical education through producer Bill Laswell and the experimental collective Material.
Bernard reflects on how working with musicians from different backgrounds broadened his musical horizons, introducing him to artists including Laurie Anderson, Fela Kuti, John Zorn and Arto Lindsay. He also discusses his collaboration with violinist L. Shankar.
Fender and Bernard then explore 'Inside Out', Bernard's solo project featuring spoken-word reinterpretations of Rolling Stones songs.
Particular attention is given to 'Undercover of the Night', a recording featuring a Nicaraguan woman whose own experiences of war brought an extraordinary emotional dimension to the song.
It's an episode that moves from rock-and-roll comedy in the Irish countryside to experimental music and the deeply human stories behind great recordings.
The conversation concludes as Fender finally turns to the subject of Bernard's decades with The Rolling Stones - setting up the fourth and final instalment.
The Ireland Podcast - Episode 254 | Bernard Fowler, Part 3
Presented by Fender Jackson.
Recording The Island.
Bernard Fowler
Bernard Fowler is an American singer, songwriter and recording artist best known for his longstanding work with The Rolling Stones.
His career spans rock, funk, soul and experimental music, with collaborations involving Philip Glass, Bill Laswell, Public Image Ltd, Ronnie Wood, Herbie Hancock and numerous other influential artists.
Alongside his work as a vocalist, Fowler has developed his own distinctive musical projects, including *Inside Out*, an album of spoken-word reinterpretations of Rolling Stones songs.
His remarkable versatility has made him a valued collaborator across several generations of popular and experimental music.
Links
https://www.instagram.com/bernardfowlersings/
https://www.facebook.com/p/Bernard-Fowler-100044847466209/
Watch the interview on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.
Explore the complete four-part Bernard Fowler series:
Part 1: Philip Glass and Paul Simon (Episode 252)
Part 2: John Lydon, Steve Vai and Public Image Ltd (Episode 253)
Part 3: Ronnie Wood, Kildare and a Very Irish Taxi Story (Episode 254)
Part 4: The Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Beyond (Episode 255)
Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast for more in-depth conversations with musicians, artists and people whose stories deserve to be recorded.
Recording The Island.