The Rolling Stones are coming back later this year with a bang, as only they can do. The legendary rock band recently announced a new full-length titled Hackney Diamonds, which will mark their first album of original studio material since 2005’s A Bigger Bang.
When the set was first confirmed, the band shared that it will feature several major musical superstars. At the time of their announcement, which took place at a highly-publicized press event in London, a few names were dropped, but now the full lineup has been unveiled, and it includes one of the most beloved artists of all time.
Hackney Diamonds track “Bite My Head Off” will reportedly feature the one and only Paul McCartney. The former Beatle played bass on the tune, bringing both his musical talents and his star power to the cut.
Rumors of the Rolling Stones collaborating with McCartney first popped up earlier this year, but at the time, a new album from the rock band hadn’t even been confirmed. Now, it seems the whispers are true, and apparently McCartney’s part in Hackney Diamonds has been done for some time.
At the time that reports of McCartney’s involvement first broke, it was also rumored that fellow Beatle Ringo Starr would also appear on Hackney Diamonds. Some fans hoped that the two former bandmates had reunited on at least one track for the Rolling Stones, but Starr’s name doesn’t appear on the newly-released tracklist for the set.
Another previously-unannounced superstar has also joined in on the Hackney Diamonds, as Elton John plays piano on two tunes on the title. The beloved musician is set to be featured on both “Get Close” and “Live By The Sword.”
At the time that Hackney Diamonds was formally announced, the Rolling Stones confirmed that pop singer Lady Gaga is set to be featured on the song “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven.” That tune will also include Stevie Wonder on keyboards and piano, which makes it perhaps the most celebrity-packed tune on the project.
In a heartwarming and sentimental move, original Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman and the late drummer Charlie Watts are also on the album, on a track called “Live By The Sword.” Watts, who tragically passed away in 2021, also makes a posthumous appearance on the song “Mess It Up.”
Hackney Diamonds is slated for an October 20 release. The band dropped the album’s lead single, “Angry,” on September 6. The tune appears on a number of Billboard charts this week, bringing the Rolling Stones back to the rankings for the first time in a few years.
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