The Rolling Stones Announce First Album of Original Music in 18 Years, Honoring Late Drummer Charlie Watts
LONDON, Sept 6 – The iconic rock band, The Rolling Stones, thrilled fans worldwide by announcing their highly anticipated new album titled “Hackney Diamonds”. This marks the band’s first collection of original music in 18 years and their first release since the tragic passing of legendary drummer Charlie Watts.
The surviving core members of the band, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, made the exciting announcement during a special event at the Hackney Empire in London. They were greeted with thunderous applause as they took the stage to discuss the recording process and share their excitement with fans.
Jagger, at the age of 80, expressed the band’s enthusiasm for creating new music. “Every day was kind of like banging through two or three songs, so you keep the excitement,” he revealed, emphasizing the energy and passion they have brought to the recording sessions. The launch event was streamed live, allowing fans from all over the world to witness this historic moment.
Describing the album’s sound, Jagger mentioned that it incorporates a mixture of rock, ballads, dance, and even a “country-ish kind of thing.” The band’s dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories is evident in their latest work.
Richards, renowned for his songwriting partnership with Jagger, spoke about the influence of Watts’ recent death on the band’s decision to create new music. “I think because of Charlie passing, we felt that we are still going and that we should still retain an identity and still say ‘Hey, it’s only rock and roll. But you know here we are’,” he shared.
In addition to the core members, the album also features collaborations with former Stones bass player Bill Wyman, new drummer Steve Jordan, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, and music icon Stevie Wonder. Their contributions add extra layers of depth and creativity to the already highly anticipated album.
Wood revealed that McCartney, who played bass on one track, was “blown away” by the experience of recording with the band. McCartney, a legendary musician in his own right, was honored to be a part of the project.
The 12-track album, produced by award-winning producer Andrew Watt, was recorded in various locations including London, Los Angeles, and Nassau. The title of the album, “Hackney Diamonds”, is a reference to broken glass after a robbery, suggesting a sense of grit and rawness.
Fans of the Rolling Stones have been eagerly awaiting the album announcement since a cryptic advertisement appeared in a local newspaper last month. The ad teasingly alluded to some of the band’s biggest hits and hinted at the name of their new release, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The album is set to be released on October 20, promising to be a monumental moment for both the band and their loyal fanbase. The Rolling Stones have remained a cultural phenomenon for over six decades, and “Hackney Diamonds” is another testament to their enduring legacy.
As the three Stones arrived at the event, they made a stylish entrance in a London taxi adorned with the band’s iconic tongue and lips logo. Jagger paid the fare in cash, further highlighting the band’s rockstar status and down-to-earth spirit.
In an interview with U.S. talk show host Jimmy Fallon, Jagger expressed his confidence in the album, stating, “I don’t want to be big-headed, but we wouldn’t have put this album out if we hadn’t really liked it.” With such high praise from the legendary frontman himself, fans can expect nothing short of brilliance from “Hackney Diamonds”.
The Rolling Stones continue to captivate audiences with their timeless music and electrifying performances. Their dedication to creating new music and honoring the legacy of Charlie Watts is a testament to their enduring passion for rock and roll. “Hackney Diamonds” promises to be a celebration of their illustrious career and a powerful reminder that the Rolling Stones are as vibrant and relevant as ever.
Reporting by Sarah Mills and Paul Sandle; additional reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; editing by Mark Heinrich and Nick Macfie