Rolling Stones: what we know about the release of a mysterious new album

“Glass repair specialist Hackney Diamonds will open in September 2023.” But make no mistake: behind this advertising window would hide nothing less than the next Rolling Stones album! The news was quick to spread to fans of the group, who were able to detect in this “mundane” announcement a number of concordant clues to the imminent release of what would be the 31st album of the Stones.

The announcement, published on page 3 of the local British newspaper Hackney Gazette, indeed includes several references to Stones songs, in addition to the group's logo with its tongue sticking out as a dot on the "i" of the alleged company. “Our friendly team promises you satisfaction,” the ad continues. Satisfaction ? Same title as the Stones' hit, released in 1965. Second clue, the ad ends with this sentence: "When you say 'give me shelter,' we'll fix your broken windows." Either in English “Gimme shelter” and “shattered”. A double blow this time, since it is about two other pieces of the group, Gimme Shelter, released in 1969 and Shattered, from the album Some Girls.

At the bottom, the date of creation of the site is indicated (1962). This means nothing to you? This is the Stones' formative year. Throw no more, Mick Jagger and his gang are back! Ultimate proof, on the website of the announcement, a link at the bottom of the page redirects to its owner who is none other than... Universal Music, producer of the Stones. So, convinced?

If the album were to be released, it would be the very first in 18 long years and Bigger Bang - the previous one, Blue and Lonesome, released in 2016, featured only blues covers. And above all, this return would mark the first opus without the group's historic drummer, Charlie Watts, who died on August 24, 2021. Several drum tracks, previously recorded, would appear on certain titles. “It was really nice for Mick, Keith and Ronnie Wood to be back in the studio, and remembering Charlie,” a source told The Sun newspaper earlier this year.

The album would also feature several collaboration tracks with other music legends, such as Elton John and Paul McCartney.