One of the biggest stories of 2023 was the return of The Rolling Stones with Hackney Diamonds, the band’s first album of original material in almost two decades. The album includes tracks recorded with drummer Charlie Watts, who died in 2021, and bassist Bill Wyman, who left the Stones 30 years ago. It also features guest appearances from Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga and, most surprising of all, Paul McCartney. Keith Richards, the Stones’ guitarist and founding member, explains how he and singer Mick Jagger put this album together; how he and fellow guitarist Ronnie Wood enjoy a near-telepathic understanding; and why, for him, five strings are still better than six…
Hackney Diamonds sounds so fresh, but I understand it had a lengthy evolution.
Yeah, it took a while to get it going, but when we finished touring last year, Mick and I decided, Let’s just blitz a record, man, and let’s get a guy that can push this thing with us. Mick found [co-producer] Andy Watt, and I’ve got to say, it was quite an
