Ronnie Wood`s bandmates thought Katia Ivanova was bad for him
The 62-year-old musician - who recently revealed he has been sober for 60 days following a lengthy battle with alcoholism - is now dating Brazilian beauty Ana Araujo, 30, and his group The Faces think she is a much better influence on him than the Russian cocktail waitress was.
The Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan told Rolling Stone magazine: "Ronnie had been struggling and quite frankly I think he was with the wrong girl for a while. His girlfriend now is so encouraging and helpful to him and she`s right for him.
"I`m a drinker and after rehearsals me and Ronnie went out and I thought he was going to weaken. He said, `You can have a drink,` and I said, `Not if you aren`t.` He used the expression, `I think I`ve found my grace,` which I think says it all. We were drinking partners and now that?s gone, but he`s just as much fun without a drink."
Ronnie ended his tempestuous 15-month relationship with Katia, 21, at the end of last year, embarking on a romance with Ana soon after.
Pals have previously spoken of the positive effect Anna has had on the rocker.
One friend said: "She is such a positive influence on him and they`ve very relaxed in each other`s company. They`re happy enjoying the simple things in life like staying in, making meals and watching films.
"He couldn`t be happier."
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