New Rolling Stones album: what we know!

Two years after the release of Hackney Diamonds, the Rolling Stones have truly turned the amps back on. Converging signals from the Stones camp point to a new album that appears to be moving forward in earnest. Between producer Andrew Watt’s confirmations, Marlon Richards’ insights and Ronnie Wood’s hints, Blues Actu takes stock of what we really know… and what remains unclear!

Andrew Watt at the helm

The first solid piece of evidence is Andrew Watt, the architect behind Hackney Diamonds. Interviewed in mid-September, the producer confirmed he had “recorded again” with the Rolling Stones, while refusing to go into detail. Reported from a conversation with Rolling Stone, this confirms that work is underway in 2025, without prejudging the final format: album, EP or standalone singles.

“I’ve said it before: it’s a bit like working for Batman. When the tongue [logo] comes out, you go. I can say we did some recording together, but that’s all I can say.” Andrew Watt.

He also notes that the 2019–2023 period was particularly fruitful, with an abundance of songs sketched or tracked — enough to credibly fuel a follow-up based on those unfinished versions.

The second piece of the puzzle comes from Marlon Richards, son of Keith. In an interview published by Record Collector, he describes sessions taking place in West London, in the Chiswick area, with “ridiculous” hours stretching from the afternoon until two in the morning. Most notably, he says the record is “almost finished.” It’s a cautious phrase, but it says a lot about how far the Jagger–Richards–Wood trio had progressed in 2025.

“They’re in town right now, recording. They’re in Chiswick, or around there; I think they’re nearly done. They keep those insane hours: from the afternoon until about two in the morning.” Marlon Richards

Ronnie Wood’s soundbite

Another notable comment came from Ronnie Wood, who hinted that the album was “finished” and eyed for 2026 during a meet-and-greet with fans in London. First reported by the tabloid press and then relayed by music outlets, the claim should be handled with care. Still, it fits with the studio chatter and the resolve, already expressed in 2023, not to let Hackney Diamonds be a swan song. In short: Ron Wood talks about a completed record and a release next year, but it remains probable rather than certain.

“Yes, you will be getting a new album next year. It is done. And yes, we are hoping to do some dates.” Ron Wood.

The post-Watts era

Artistically, everything points to a deliberate continuity. Andrew Watt would therefore remain at the helm to preserve the energy that blends blues-rock with modern bite, the balance Hackney Diamonds struck so well. Since the passing of Charlie Watts in 2021, Steve Jordan has handled drums on stage and in the studio. His playing, already central on the 2023 album, re-anchored the group’s rhythmic drive without betraying the Rolling Stones’ DNA — even if it’s a little more metronomic than our Charlie “Mr Wang Dang Doodle” Watts.

What remains unclear…

What we don’t know is crucial, but we’ll keep this article updated: neither a title, nor artwork, nor a guest list has been made official. Hackney Diamonds featured a spectacular cast — Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder on “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” Paul McCartney on “Bite My Head Off,” Elton John on piano, former Stone Bill Wyman, as well as two takes by Charlie Watts captured in 2019. Nothing guarantees the band will repeat that level of featured guests, even if they may have gotten a taste for it…

As for the timeline, the 2026 window keeps coming up, including from Ronnie Wood, who also teases the hope of shows next year. Several clues suggest that summer 2025, once tipped for a European tour, was ultimately sacrificed in favor of studio time…

The Stones keep rolling

For fans, this is the real good news: the Rolling Stones are still writing songs and recording together, at a pace that, if eyewitnesses are to be believed, hasn’t lost any of its studious frenzy. At over 80, that’s simply incredible!

The band has also announced and opened preorders for a collector’s edition of Black & Blue with a new 2025 mix by Steven Wilson, a Blu-ray including a previously unseen TV special filmed at Les Abattoirs (Paris, 1976) as well as the complete 1976 Earls Court concert.

The box set will also include a disc of outtakes and jams from the 1975 sessions — with contributions from Jeff Beck and Harvey Mandel — featuring a turbocharged cover of “Shame, Shame, Shame” with Chanel Haynes on vocals. An American singer from New Orleans, Chanel has been a Rolling Stones backing vocalist since 2022 (notably on “Gimme Shelter” on tour, a vocal monument originally made famous by Merry Clayton).

As for “Shame, Shame, Shame,” Mick Jagger filmed himself recording harmonica takes upon returning from a holiday in Portugal. We can’t resist sharing that tasty moment here…

So we already have proof of a story that continues — with the same mix of stubbornness, craft and contagious joy that has defined the band for sixty years. And that alone is delightful. Stay tuned!