Rolling Stones' 'Hackney Diamonds': 18-Year Album Reveal

 Rolling Stones' 'Hackney Diamonds': 18-Year Album Reveal

Rolling Stones' 'Hackney Diamonds': 18-Year Album Reveal(Image-Getty)

The Rolling Stones unveiled their long-awaited album, "Hackney Diamonds," marking their first original music release in 18 years and their first since the passing of drummer Charlie Watts, who contributed to two of the tracks. The announcement took place at the Hackney Empire in London, where Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, the surviving core members of the legendary 61-year-old band, took the stage.

During the event, the trio discussed the album's creation and premiered the music video for the single "Angry," featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. Mick Jagger, at the age of 80, expressed the band's excitement for creating new music, explaining that they maintained a constant creative spark by working on two or three songs every day.

The album was described as having a contemporary sound, blending rock, ballads, dance, and a touch of country influence. Keith Richards, known for his enduring songwriting partnership with Jagger, revealed that the passing of Charlie Watts in 2021 motivated them to keep recording and maintain their musical identity.

Several notable musicians contributed to the album, including former Stones bassist Bill Wyman, new drummer Steve Jordan, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder. Ronnie Wood shared that Paul McCartney, who played bass on one track, was thoroughly impressed to collaborate with a band that rivaled the Beatles' impact on rock music in the 1960s.

The album's production was overseen by award-winning producer Andrew Watt, and it was recorded in various locations, including London, Los Angeles, and Nassau. "Hackney Diamonds," named after broken glass from a robbery, is set to be released on October 20.

The Stones made a stylish entrance, arriving in a London taxi adorned with their iconic tongue and lips logo, with Mick Jagger settling the fare in cash. Jagger emphasized their genuine appreciation for the album, stating that they wouldn't have released it if they didn't truly love it.

Fans had been eagerly anticipating this announcement ever since a cryptic advertisement appeared in a local newspaper the previous month, hinting at the band's classic tracks and the title of the new album.