New Stones album to feature Paul McCartney, Elton John

The band’s first record in 18 years also includes contributions from Lady Gaga, bassist Bill Wyman, and the late drummer Charlie Watts

The Rolling Stones’ new album, Hackney Diamonds, is out October 20. Picture: Trevor Adams/Matrix Pictures​

The Rolling Stones have confirmed that their forthcoming 24th album, Hackney Diamonds, will feature contributions from the likes of Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, bassist Billy Wyman, and late drummer Charlie Watts.

‘Sweet Sounds of Heaven’ features vocals from Lady Gaga and keyboards and piano from Wonder, ‘Mess It Up’ and ‘Live by the Sword’ feature Watts on drums, with the latter also showcasing piano contributions from Elton John and bass by former Stones’ member Billy Wyman. John also appears on ‘Get Close’, while McCartney plays bass on ‘Bite My Head Off’

Paul McCartney of the Beatles and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, August 1967. Picture: Victor Blackman/Express/Getty Images

Hackney Diamonds, set to release on October 20, marks The Rolling Stones’ first full-length album of original songs since their 2005 LP, A Bigger Bang.

The 12-song album, produced by Grammy-winner Andrew Watt (known for his work with Post Malone, Elton John, and Ozzy Osbourne), was announced last week during a global live-streamed event at the Hackney Empire in East London.

This announcement coincided with the premiere of the music video for the single ‘Angry,’ starring Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in Euphoria.

Following the passing of Watts, who had been with the group since 1963 and died at the age of 80 in August 2021, Steve Jordan has taken on the role of drummer with the group.

Jordan will be featured on nine of the songs on “Hackney Diamonds.” During the Hackney press conference, guitarist Keith Richards, 79, expressed “Ever since Charlie’s gone it’s different – he’s number four, he’s missing.”

“Of course he’s missed, incredibly. But thanks to Charlie Watts we have Steve Jordan – his recommendation, that if anything should happen to him, he’s your man.”

The Rolling Stones new album Hackney Diamonds album cover, out October 20

Hackney Diamonds Tracklist

1. Angry
2. Get Close (feat. Elton John)
3. Depending on You
4. Bite My Head Off (feat. Paul McCartney)
5. Whole Wide World
6. Dreamy Skies
7. Mess It Up (feat. Charlie Watts)
8. Live By the Sword (feat. Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Elton John)
9. Driving Me Too Hard
10. Tell Me Straight
11. Sweet Sound of Heaven (feat. Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder)
12. Rolling Stones Blue