The Rolling Stones Announce New Album “Hackney Diamonds” after 18 Years
It’s not every day that you expect a birth announcement from a band that’s been around for 60 years. But last month in London, The Rolling Stones surprised fans with the news of their upcoming album. Titled “Hackney Diamonds,” this album will feature original music and is set to release on October 20.
For the first time in 18 years, The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Mick Jagger gathered in London on September 6, 2023, to make this exciting announcement. Speaking about their return to the studio, Keith Richards humorously compared it to riding a bike, saying, “Pretty much, but you’re not sure if the tires are pumped up!”
In a separate interview at Electric Lady Studios in New York, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood shared their perspective on the album. Mick Jagger revealed that the impetus for “Hackney Diamonds” came from a conversation where he suggested making an album and “blitzing” it. They were able to fulfill this plan thanks to the deadline they used to have for releasing an album before going on tour.
During the interview, Mason asked the band members about their creative process in the recording studio. Jagger explained that they give it a minute and sometimes even 10 minutes to know if a song has potential. Keith Richards compared the process to constructing a painting, where you lay down the first strokes and then take a step back to evaluate it.
The lead single from “Hackney Diamonds” is called “Angry” and originated from a guitar riff that Mick Jagger came up with while in the Caribbean. He then collaborated with Keith Richards to develop the idea further. The band members emphasized the chemistry they have when working together, with Richards stating, “Mick and I, we kind of kick each other up the ass. ‘Oh, I like that.’ ‘I don’t like that.’ Whatever it is, it’s a sort of chemistry.”
The band faced a significant loss when drummer Charlie Watts passed away in 2021. In response to a question about releasing an album after his demise, Jagger explained that they felt the need to make a mark of what The Rolling Stones are now. Reflecting on Charlie’s absence, he said, “Yeah, of course, it’s hard. I mean, it’s all my life. Ever since I was 19 or whatever, it’s always been Charlie.”
Although The Rolling Stones toured with a new drummer, Steve Jordan, last year, Charlie Watts played on two tracks for “Hackney Diamonds,” including one where he reunited with the band’s original bassist, Bill Wyman. Jagger revealed that getting Wyman back on board was not a challenge, as he was still actively playing the bass and working on his own album.
From their humble beginnings in 1962, The Rolling Stones never expected their career to last long. Keith Richards recalled their disbelief when their first hit record came out, thinking they had about two years before they would need to find a new job. However, six decades later, they continue to be one of the biggest touring acts in the world, earning $179 million in revenue last year alone. Their longevity and love for each other and their music are what have kept them going all these years.
As Mick Jagger and Keith Richards both celebrate their landmark birthdays this year, turning 80, they seem undeterred by their age. Jagger quipped that being 80 is overblown and not all it’s cracked up to be, while Wood commented on Jagger’s impressive vocal abilities. Richards expressed his realization of the band’s special bond, especially after Charlie Watts’ passing, and their commitment to seeing their journey through until the end.
Despite the challenges they have faced, The Rolling Stones continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, proving that they are true pioneers in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
To listen to the lead single “Angry” from The Rolling Stones’ album “Hackney Diamonds,” click on the video below:
To listen to the song “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” from the album “Hackney Diamonds,” click on the video below:
For more information, visit the CBS News website.
Story produced by Mikaela Bufano. Editor: Ed Givnish.
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