The notice appeared on August 17 in Hackney Newspaper, a local paper serving Hackney in East London, tucked into the lower right corner of a page. An upcoming window repairman event unfolds next month in September under the banner Hackney Diamonds. Bold white lettering on a red backdrop makes a standout message: “Our friendly team promises satisfaction when you say ‘give me shelter’ We’ll fix your broken windows.” That line nods to two of the Rolling Stones’ most recognizable songs, Satisfaction and Give Me Shelter.
The public release sparked happiness among fans of the legendary English band, who greeted the hype as the signal of a new album release next month. The timing aligns with other subtle hints in the advertisement, including a familiar logo dot—the band’s iconic mouth with a tongue motif—and the founding year 1962, which is also the year the group started. What may seal the deal is the name of the label that appears in the ad’s web form: Universal Music Group.
If the first record receives approval, fans might see a long-awaited project after the Stones’ 2016 release, Blue and Alone, a blues cover collection that preceded their newer original material from A Bigger Group, issued in 2005. The announcement would also confirm that the band remains active and vital after a celebratory 60th anniversary tour across several European countries, including Spain.
The first without watts
The forthcoming album is noted as the first studio effort without drummer Charlie Watts, who passed away from throat cancer in 2021. Watts’s absence does not dampen the group’s momentum; guitarist Keith Richards hinted in a recent Los Angeles Times interview that some of Watts’s influence may still surface in the rhythms on the new record. The Stones had long planned a new album, but the release schedule was delayed by the pandemic.
In this new lineup, besides the permanent members, bassist Bill Wyman, who left in 1993, reportedly agreed to join a limited reunion to honor Watts, according to British press reports. There is also chatter about other famous musicians potentially taking part, with names like Paul McCartney and Elton John mentioned by the BBC.
Note: This article presents a summary of the rumored development and public statements surrounding the band. It relies on reported information and industry speculation, with attribution to the cited sources. [citation needed]