ROLLING STONES ALBUM LAUNCH FOR ‘HACKNEY DIAMONDS’

Words by Neil Jones

It was the worst kept secret but that didn’t prevent the excitement reaching fever pitch as The Rolling Stones’s Mick, Keith and Ronnie, took to the stage of the Hackney Empire for the official launch of their first album of original material in 18 years – Hackney Diamonds.

In the Stones’ world these days, nothing is done subtly and if you are going to announce your first album in nearly two decades then why not get US TV host Jimmy Fallon to introduce it and broadcast it live to millions via Youtube. Six decades in and proving that band are back, with an even bigger bang.

Whilst a very stage-managed event, responses to the questions from host Fallon were both spontaneous and loose, allowing for an up-close and (relatively) personal insight into the most famous musical partnerships in musical history.  The six- decades-in-the-making ‘old married couple’ banter between Mick and ‘Keef’ was both hilarious and heart-warming in equal measure. When asked about the meaning behind some of the songs, Richards stating that he had no idea but that the riff was ‘funky’, much to Jagger’s mock-chagrin as he explained to his bandmate what the song was about.

A moment of reflection for the recently passed Charlie Watts and Mick looking towards the corner balcony saying that he was, and always is, with us, was a genuine touching moment from a band that clearly are still grieving for their fallen friend, whose drumming appears on two tracks on the album (Mess It Up and Magnificent Sword).

Also mentioned was the inclusion of Bill Wyman on one track on the album, reuniting the original rhythm section of the band for the first time in decades. Add to that the fact that the album features an appearance by Lady Gaga and a rumoured inclusion of Paul McCartney, and the feel is of a band both looking backwards at their illustrious past, with one eye on the road ahead. Staggering after six decades, a band impeccably relevant for all the ages.

With interview questions answered the band left the stage and the audience was treated to a premiere of the band’s new single ‘Angry’, with an accompanying video harking back to the band’s past via a trip past iconic Sunset Strip billboards.

The track is cut from the same cloth of previous standalone single ‘Doom and Gloom’ and, with, as Keef would have it, a very ‘funky’ riff, the band’s appetite for more is clearly present. 60 years on and the overall feel is that there’s clearly more gas in the tank.

Peerless. Timeless. And writing the history books year on year. Ladies and gentlemen, the Rolling Stones remain as vital as ever. Simply incredible.

Hackney Diamonds is released across a number of formats including a special limited RS No.9 Carnaby Red vinyl, available exclusively to pre-order direct from the flagship store from 6th September. An exclusive Hackney Diamonds merch line is also available today from the London store.

HACKNEY DIAMONDS RELEASED WORLWIDE ON UNIVERSAL OCT 20