The iconic rock ‘n roll band, the Rolling Stones, illuminated New York City’s West Side on Thursday night with a private launch party for their first new album in 18 years, “Hackney Diamonds.” The club, Racket NYC, was filled with hundreds of spectators as the Stones, now in their seventh decade of music, played half a dozen songs in celebration of their latest masterpiece, which has garnered some of their best reviews in decades.
“Hackney Diamonds” holds a special place in the band’s heart, as lead singer Mick Jagger, 80, revealed during the show, “We were missing the launches so much we had to go back and make another album.” The album’s title references British slang for broken glass, echoing the band’s fondness for their hometown vernacular. The show included a mix of new tracks from “Hackney Diamonds” and well-known hits like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Tumblin’ Dice,” a testament to the band’s rich musical history and continuous evolution.
The night’s highlight was when Lady Gaga joined the Stones on stage for a “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” performance, a blues-infused track off the new album that pays homage to the band’s classic 70s sound in “Moonlight Mile.” The energetic performance included Gaga and Jagger mirroring each other’s dance moves, with Gaga donning a shimmering red-and-black jumpsuit and Jagger in his signature tight black shirt.
“Hackney Diamonds” is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy, featuring guests like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Elton John and a return appearance by longtime bassist Bill Wyman. The album also pays tribute to the late Charlie Watts, the band’s longtime drummer, who passed away in 2021. Watts’s drumming can be heard in the song “Live by the Sword,” a poignant reminder of his contributions to the band’s iconic sound.
“Hackney Diamonds” is not just another album in the Rolling Stones’ illustrious career; it is a testament to their enduring legacy and significant impact on the music industry. The album’s launch party in New York City, with the unique appearance of Lady Gaga, was a celebration of the band’s history, their love for their hometown vocabulary, and their ability to evolve and adapt to the changing musical landscape continuously. As the Stones continue to rock on into their seventh decade, “Hackney Diamonds” proves they are still a force to be reckoned with.