Rock Legends The Rolling Stones reveal timeless approach to making music: ‘We just let it rock on’
After six decades of rock ‘n’ roll, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood are back at it again with The Rolling Stones’ long-awaited new album, “Hackney Diamonds.” This album is a significant milestone for the band as it marks their first album of original songs in 18 years since the unfortunate passing of their longtime drummer, Charlie Watts, in 2021.
When the Rolling Stones concluded their tour last year, Jagger issued a challenge to his bandmates to set a deadline to record an album. Jagger recalls saying to Keith, “Let’s try and do that. And we’re going in this, we’re going here, and we finished by Valentine’s Day.” And so, the journey towards creating “Hackney Diamonds” began.
The process of creating music for the Stones remains as organic and magic-filled as it was 20 or 40 years ago, as shared by Ronnie Wood. He speaks about the camaraderie and live music element that remains essential to their creative process.
Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of the band, still finds the excitement in songwriting, even if the final product turns out to be less than perfect. The sheer joy of creating something new and potentially fantastic is what drives him in the creative process.
Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of the Rolling Stones, shares his various processes for songwriting. He mentions instances like casually playing the piano and stumbling upon a song like “Sweet Sounds of Heaven.” Jagger also speaks about the satisfaction of collaborating with artists like Lady Gaga on vocals for new songs.
It’s impressive to note that Jagger and Richards are recognized among the most successful songwriting duos in history, having produced timeless classics like “Start Me Up,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” and many more. The Rolling Stones, originating as a blues band in 1962, evolved into one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
The latest music video for their song “Angry” resurrects the vintage Stones through animation and AI technology. Mick Jagger humorously reflects on the idea that even after their time, AI technology might keep their essence alive in some form.
Despite their ages – Jagger at 80, Richards soon turning 80, and Wood at 76 – the band remains enthusiastic about future tours and rendering their music through hologram technology. They acknowledge the enduring legacy of the Rolling Stones and the unbreakable bond that keeps them together as a band.
As they contemplate touring again after six decades in the industry, Keith Richards reflects on the band’s resilience and the shared experiences that have shaped their musical journey. The Rolling Stones continue to defy expectations and prove that their passion for music remains unwavering.
With “Hackney Diamonds,” The Rolling Stones have yet again demonstrated their enduring creativity and musical prowess. The band’s legacy as rock icons continues to inspire new generations of music lovers worldwide.
