Rolling Stones Surprise Album Release Party at Racket in NYC

On Thursday evening, New York City club Racket was buzzing with celebrities, music industry insiders, and media members, all gathered for what was initially billed as an “Album Release Party” for Hackney Diamonds. The invite instructed guests to dress cool and leave their phones and smartwatches in pouches. While rumors swirled about a potential mini set from the Rolling Stones, it seemed unlikely that the world’s biggest rock band would perform at a small 600-seat venue.

The evening kicked off with a DJ set by Questlove and Samantha Urbani, and slowly the VIP section filled with the likes of Elvis Costello, Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, and Chris Rock. Then, after 10:00 pm, the lights dimmed, and to everyone’s surprise, the Rolling Stones took the stage. The core band, consisting of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, bassist Darryl Jones, and drummer Steve Jordan, were joined by keyboardist Matt Clifford and background vocalist Chanel Haynes. The absence of other familiar band members added to the mystique of the night.

Jagger addressed the crowd, teasing that they would be playing both old and new songs. They started their set with a throwback to 1978, performing “Shattered,” followed by the live premieres of “Angry” and “Whole Wide World.” These tracks, featured on Hackney Diamonds, have been praised as some of the band’s best work in decades. The Stones demonstrated their flawless stage presence, captivating the audience with their performance and confirming that there was no rust after their hiatus.

Next, they played “Tumblin’ Dice,” although the smaller band setup meant they had to truncate the song. Chanel Haynes impressed with her backup vocals, especially since this performance marked only her second time singing with the Stones. Jagger shared anecdotes about the band’s previous album launches in New York City, adding excitement to the night.

A standout moment came when they performed the song “Bite My Head Off,” featuring Paul McCartney on bass on the album. Though McCartney couldn’t join them on stage, Richards and Wood delighted fans with their guitar skills, and the crowd couldn’t resist Jagger’s powerful vocals. They continued the set with the timeless classic “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” which felt otherworldly in the intimate club setting.

After a brief exit, the Rolling Stones returned for the live debut of “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” from Hackney Diamonds, featuring Lady Gaga on the record. Gaga surprised the audience by joining the band on stage in a sparkling red jumpsuit, bringing the gospel-tinged ballad to new heights. The night ended with a roar from Gaga, hailing the Rolling Stones and their legendary status.

The audience left the club knowing they had witnessed something truly special. This performance was a testament to the Rolling Stones’ longevity and continued brilliance. It set the stage for a potential stadium tour in the coming year, and fans hope to hear more Hackney Diamonds songs on the setlist. The album itself stands as a monumental achievement for a band that has defied expectations throughout their career, and it proves that there are still incredible moments to come from the Rolling Stones.

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