The Rolling Stones have become the first act to reach the top 10 in the United States with new albums in every decade since the 1960s.
The veteran band's latest studio album, Hackney Diamonds, has entered the Billboard chart at number three. They also extended their record as the act with the most US top 10 albums of all time, with 38 in total – ahead of second-placed Barbra Streisand on 34.
In the UK, the release has taken the group to number one for the 14th time. Hackney Diamonds is the band's first collection of original songs since 2005, and features contributions from Sir Elton John, Lady Gaga, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and former Stones bassist Bill Wyman.
It is also their first studio album since the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021. Speaking at an album launch in Hackney, east London, in September, guitarist Keith Richards, said: “Ever since Charlie's gone, it's been different, he's number four. Of course he's missed.”
In Watts' place, the new album features Steve Jordan, who also filled the late drummer's seat on tour this summer. The Stones also hold the record for the act with US number one albums in the most decades, with a total of six.
Hackney Diamonds is yet to reach the top in 2023, but a reissue of their 1973 album Goats Head Soup did in 2020, leaving the 2000s as the only decade without a Rolling Stones album at number one. In the UK, the Rolling Stones now stand alongside Robbie Williams with 14 number one albums, including collections like greatest hits albums, reissues and live LPs. The Beatles hold the record with 16.
The rock legends have also received a Brit Billion Award in recognition of being streamed more than a billion times in the UK.
It's not just the streaming world that the Stones have taken by storm – Hackney Diamonds also topped last week's UK Official Vinyl Albums Chart. Asked by NME whether the band would embark on a tour for the album, Ronnie Wood confirmed an American trip was “pencilled in for next year”, but official dates are yet to be released.
Asked if a Glastonbury Festival appearance might also be on the cards, he said: “I'd love it. I think it's a must.”
— CutC by bbc.com
