In an unforgettable evening, legendary rock band The Rolling Stones introduced their highly anticipated new album, Hackney Diamonds, and a sexy new video clip for single Angry, to the world last night.
The group, consisting of iconic members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, celebrated the release with an exclusive event at London’s historic Hackney Empire.
The live streamed event was hosted by Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show, the launch turned into a remarkable spectacle as Mick, Keith, and Ronnie took the stage for a live interview. The album’s lead single, Angry, debuted alongside a visually stunning music video featuring the talented Sydney Sweeney cruising through the streets of Hollywood in a vibrant red convertible.
The surprise appearance of Sydney and her mother added an extra layer of excitement to the already electrifying atmosphere. Overwhelmed by the experience, Sydney exclaimed, “This is the biggest thing ever,” as she basked in the glory of the moment.
While celebrating their new album, The Rolling Stones took a moment to reflect on the late drummer Charlie Watts, dearly missed by the group. They revealed that two of the album’s tracks feature Charlie’s remarkable drumming, ensuring that his spirit lives on. The remaining tracks showcase the brilliance of master drummer Steve Jordan, handpicked by Watts himself to carry on his legacy.
As an interesting surprise, the band announced that the talented Lady Gaga is featured on a track called Sweet Sounds of Heaven. Stones fans have also been promised tracks featuring collaborations from Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder.
Throughout their conversation with Fallon, The Stones showcased their wit and humour, leaving the audience in stitches. “You’ve got to keep your fingers moving — at our age, you have to keep everything moving,” remarked Ronnie Wood, drawing laughter from the crowd. Fallon even joined the band in a spontaneous a cappella rendition of their classic hit, Off the Hook.
Explaining the intriguing album title, Mick Jagger shared that “Hackney Diamonds” pays homage to the spirit of London’s Hackney area. “It’s like when you get your windscreen broken on Saturday night in Hackney where car windows get smashed,” Jagger chuckled. Keith Richards added that alternative names considered for the album were “Hit and Run” and “Smash and Grab.”
The remarkable launch event, hosted and live-streamed on YouTube, offered a glimpse into The Rolling Stones’ long-awaited return to the music scene.
This highly-anticipated album marks The Rolling Stones’ first release since the tragic passing of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021. A founding member of the band, Watts contributed his exceptional talent to countless performances and recordings throughout their illustrious career. Last year, the group toured with esteemed drummer Steve Jordan, captivating audiences with their timeless music.
Despite the passing of time, The Rolling Stones continue to defy expectations, delivering electrifying performances and enchanting fans worldwide. With Mick Jagger’s iconic vocals and never-ending energy, the band shows no signs of slowing down, proving that age is just a number.
Hackney Diamonds is set to officially release on October 20.
