"From Rock Star to Rock Bottom? Jesse Wood Claims He’s Been ‘Unemployed and Living on £1,000 a Month’ Since Split from Fearne Cotton—As Court Appearance Over Speeding Charges Sparks Concern"
Once the guitarist for indie rock band The Dead Weather and son of Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood, Jesse Wood was long seen as a fixture in Britain’s celebrity elite—married to beloved TV presenter Fearne Cotton, raising three children in a stylish West London home, and seemingly living the rock 'n' roll dream.
But in a stark and sobering turn of events, the 47-year-old musician has revealed that since his separation from Cotton in late 2023, his life has spiraled into financial hardship so severe he claims he’s been unemployed and surviving on just £1,000 a month—a shocking fall from grace that came into sharp focus this week as he appeared in court facing speeding charges.
A Humbling Courtroom Appearance
Dressed in a worn leather jacket and faded jeans, Wood stood before magistrates at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with driving at 62mph in a 40mph zone on the A40 near Ealing last November. While the offence itself is minor, it was Wood’s candid admission during proceedings that stunned observers: he told the court he currently has no steady income, relies on occasional session gigs, and is “struggling to make ends meet.”
“I haven’t worked properly in over a year,” he reportedly said when asked about his employment status. “I’m getting by on about a grand a month—if I’m lucky.”
The judge granted him a conditional discharge and imposed a £100 fine, but the real story wasn’t the speeding—it was the man behind the wheel: once rubbing shoulders with rock royalty, now seemingly adrift in the wake of personal and professional upheaval.
The Aftermath of a High-Profile Split
Wood and Cotton, who married in 2014 after a decade-long relationship, announced their separation in October 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences.” While both emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children—son Rex, 10, and daughters Goldie, 8, and Honey, 5—the split appears to have triggered a profound personal crisis for Wood.
Friends say he moved out of the family home and into a modest flat in Shepherd’s Bush, sold his vintage guitars to cover rent, and withdrew from social circles. “He’s been really low,” one source shared. “The music scene dried up for him post-pandemic, and without Fearne’s support network, he’s felt isolated. He’s not bitter—he’s just lost.”
Unlike Cotton, who continues to thrive with her podcast Happy Place, wellness brand, and media appearances, Wood’s career has stalled. His last major gig was in 2022, and attempts to launch a solo project reportedly fizzled due to lack of funding.
A Family Legacy—and the Weight It Carries
As the son of Ronnie Wood—one of rock’s most enduring icons—Jesse grew up backstage at stadiums, jamming with legends, and enjoying the spoils of fame. But that legacy, insiders say, has become a double-edged sword.
“People expect him to be rolling in it because of who his dad is,” explains a music industry contact. “But Ronnie’s wealth is tied up in art, property, and band royalties. Jesse never inherited a fortune—he built his own path. And right now, that path is rocky.”
Ronnie and wife Sally have reportedly offered support, but Jesse, proud and private, has been reluctant to lean on them. “He doesn’t want to be ‘Ronnie’s kid who can’t cope,’” the source adds.
Public Sympathy—and Questions
News of Wood’s situation has sparked an outpouring of sympathy online, with fans urging him to seek help and even launching a (quickly deleted) crowdfunding page. Others, however, question how someone with his connections could fall so far—pointing to past reports of substance issues and erratic behavior.
Yet those closest to him insist this is a man trying to rebuild, not retreat. “He’s seeing a therapist. He’s attending gigs again, just as a fan. He wants to get back—but on his own terms,” says a friend.
What Comes Next?
For now, Jesse Wood remains in limbo—a talented musician caught between a famous past and an uncertain future. His court appearance may have been about a speeding ticket, but it laid bare a deeper truth: even in a world of privilege and pedigree, no one is immune to life’s sudden detours.
As one longtime admirer put it:
“He’s not asking for pity. He just needs a chance to play again.”
And if the music returns, perhaps everything else will follow.
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