Rolling Stones unveil 'Hackney Diamonds': legendary rock band's first album in 18 years

Legendary rock band The Rolling Stones have thrilled fans around the world by announcing the release of their highly-anticipated album, 'Hackney Diamonds.' The iconic group revealed their first album of original music in 18 years during a special event at the Hackney Empire in London on September 6.

The band's surviving core members, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, took to the stage to discuss the album's creation and to premiere the video for the single "Angry," which features the talented actress Sydney Sweeney.

Frontman Mick Jagger, now 80 years old, expressed the band's excitement for creating new music, stating; 

"Every day was kind of like banging through two or three songs, so you keep the excitement." 

The new album boasts a contemporary sound, featuring a diverse mix of rock, ballads, dance, and even a touch of country.

Keith Richards, known for his enduring songwriting partnership with Jagger, revealed that the passing of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021 played a pivotal role in motivating the band to create fresh 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'," the 79-year-old musician reflected.

Notable guest artists also contributed to 'Hackney Diamonds,' including former Stones bass player Bill Wyman, the band's new drummer Steve Jordan, music legend Paul McCartney, and the incomparable Stevie Wonder.

Ronnie Wood shared McCartney's excitement about working with the Stones, stating that the ex-Beatle was "blown away" by the experience. The collaboration is significant, as both The Rolling Stones and The Beatles have left an indelible mark on the history of rock music.

Award-winning producer Andrew Watt played a pivotal role in the creation of the 12-track album, which was recorded in various locations including London, Los Angeles, and Nassau.

The album, 'Hackney Diamonds,' references broken glass after a robbery, and it is set to be released on October 20. The three Stones, impeccably dressed in black, arrived at the Hackney Empire in a London taxi adorned with the band's iconic tongue and lips logo, with Jagger humorously paying the fare in cash.

During an appearance on U.S. talk show host Jimmy Fallon's stage, Jagger expressed the band's confidence in their latest offering, saying, 

"I don't want to be big-headed, but we wouldn't have put this album out if we hadn’t really liked it."

Fans have eagerly awaited this announcement since a cryptic advertisement appeared in a local newspaper last month, hinting at some of the Stones' greatest hits and the title of the new album, 'Hackney Diamonds.' With this exciting revelation, The Rolling Stones once again prove that their legendary rock 'n' roll journey is far from over.

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