The legendary rock band reveals their first album in 18 years, with Jimmy Fallon hosting a lively press conference.
The Rolling Stones have confirmed the release date of their much-anticipated new album, Hackney Diamonds, at a wildly entertaining press conference in Hackney, London. The band, now in their sixth decade of rock dominance, once again proved they know how to break the rules, with this unconventional event to announce their 26th album.
Hosted by comedian Jimmy Fallon, the launch was more about the banter and charm of the iconic rock trio—Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood—than any deep dives into the album’s specifics. Despite the buzz surrounding the release, details about the record remained scarce, with Ronnie Wood casually revealing that Lady Gaga will feature, while Paul McCartney and Elton John’s involvement went unmentioned.
The event was a masterclass in entertainment. From Fallon’s warm introduction (which included a cheeky reference to him and Mick Jagger sharing a pint the night before) to the playful interactions between the band members, it was clear that The Rolling Stones are still as captivating offstage as they are on. At one point, Fallon asked Jagger about the song Angry, to which the frontman quipped, “It’s about being angry, innit?”
As for the much-anticipated Hackney Diamonds, the band shared a premiere of the video for lead single Angry, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The video, which portrays her seductively draped over the hood of a red Mercedes, further stoked excitement for the album, due for release later this year.
Will the album be a hit? Judging by the Stones’ recent output, there’s little doubt. From their 2012 single Doom And Gloom to the 2020 release Living in a Ghost Town, the band has continued to prove that they still “have it.” Fans will no doubt be thrilled to see what Hackney Diamonds has in store, but one thing is for sure—the Rolling Stones remain at the top of their game, delivering classic rock swagger with a side of humour and irreverence.
