The Rolling Stones are gearing up to release their new album, Hackney Diamonds, later this month, which is particularly exciting for fans, as the set marks their first collection of original material in nearly 20 years. The band, who have now been together more than half a century, have some wondering about the future of this group of aging rockers. Legendary guitarist Keith Richards has been pondering this topic as well.
Richards recently spoke to BBC Radio 4’s Today program about the new album and what lies ahead for the band. When asked if he could foresee the end of The Rolling Stones, he humorously replied, “My answer is I’m not Nostradamus.” He quickly followed that joke up with a more contemplative response.
“Of course, it’s going to end sometime,” Richards admitted simply. He went on to emphasize that while all things eventually come to an end, he doesn’t foresee that milestone approaching in the near future. “Everybody is in good fettle,” the British musician noted, adding that “there’s no particular rush.”
Maintaining a jovial tone despite the tough question, Richards affirmed, “We’re having great fun doing this. And this is what we do.”
In other interviews to promote the new record, lead singer Mick Jagger has also talked about the future of The Rolling Stones and even his own mortality. He has stated that he’s seemingly open to the band touring after they’re all gone as holograms. He also stated that while he and his bandmates could make hundreds of millions selling their catalog, his own children don’t need half a billion dollars to “live well.”
The Rolling Stones are back on the Billboard charts this week with “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” a collaboration with Lady Gaga. This track serves as the second single from their upcoming album, Hackney Diamonds, scheduled for release on October 20. The group introduced the album with the lead single, “Angry,” last month.
Read the full article here