Richards says Watts’ death convinced them to do new album

The Rolling Stones co-founder and guitarist Keith Richards said in an interview with The Sun that the death of their longtime drummer Charlie Watts in 2021 at the age of 80 was what motivated them to decide to make a new album after 18 years. He recalled that the decision was made last year and they started working on the new record right after they tour was finished.

Called “Hackney Diamonds”, the new album was released this October and Watts appears in two tracks. Besides Richards, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, the album also has famous guests like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder. It was produced by the American Andrew Watt who recently worked with names like Ozzy Osbourne and Iggy Pop.

Keith Richards says Charlie Watts’ death convinced them to do new album

“It [Watts’ death] jolted us into thinking we’ve got to make a record. Then last year, we were on the road in Europe and playing Hyde Park . . . the band’s really hot with Steve Jordan working out seamlessly. Mick agreed with me about the record. We said, ‘Let’s get this thing in the studio.”

“Let’s make this a project — go from A to B and actually finish it. There were some amazing things in the can, but we never felt like it was an album. Whereas, this time we did it all in one block and hit it — I’m still recovering! It was important for us to put out something we had cut with Charlie,” Keith Richards said.

Hackney Diamonds tracklist

1. “Angry” (Written by Jagger–Richards, Andrew Watt)
2. “Get Close” (Written by Jagger–Richards, Watt)
3. “Depending On You” (Written by Jagger–Richards, Watt)
4. “Bite My Head Off” (Written by Jagger–Richards)
5. “Whole Wide World” (Written by Jagger–Richards)
6. “Dreamy Skies” (Written by Jagger–Richards)
7. “Mess It Up” – (Written by Jagger–Richards)
8. “Live by the Sword” – (Written by Jagger–Richards)
9. “Driving Me Too Hard” – (Written by Jagger–Richards)
10. “Tell Me Straight” – (Written by Jagger–Richards)
11. “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” – (Written by Jagger–Richards)
12. “Rolling Stone Blues” (Written by Muddy Waters)