The Rolling Stones, a band that has defied time and trends, hosted an exclusive listening party for their latest album, "Hackney Diamonds," at Racket in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood. Forget scrolling through Instagram or snapping selfies; this was a phone-free event, a nod to an era when the music was the only status update you needed.
October 19, 2023, the Rolling Stones hosted an exclusive listening party for their new album "Hackney Diamonds" at Racket, a Chelsea venue in New York City that used to be called the High Line. The event was a phone-free affair, emphasizing the raw, unfiltered experience of live music. Limited to just 500 attendees, the venue was a hotspot for celebrities and industry insiders.
The Stones, now in their seventh decade of rock 'n roll, took the stage with a setlist that blurred the lines between past and present. New tracks like "Angry" and "Whole Wide World" shared the spotlight with classics like "Tumbling Dice" and "Jumping Jack Flash." Mick Jagger, ever the showman, commanded the stage in tight black pants and a brown leather jacket, later revealing a long-sleeved skin-tight T-shirt. Keith Richards, his hands gnarled but his spirit undiminished, adapted his guitar work, while Ron Wood shouldered the intricate solos. The rhythm section, anchored by drummer Steve Jordan and bassist Daryl Jones, provided a robust foundation, while Sasha Allen and Matt Clifford's backing vocals offered nuanced support to Jagger's lead.
But the night had its own plot twist: an unannounced appearance by Lady Gaga. Clad in towering platform heels and a sparkling jumpsuit, Gaga joined the Stones for "Sweet Sound of Heaven," a track from the new album. The collaboration wasn't just a crowd-pleaser; it was a statement, one that Keith Richards punctuated with an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
The guest list read like a roll call of pop culture icons: Daniel Craig, Mary-Kate Olsen, Chris Rock, and Jimmy Fallon, to name a few. Fallon, a long-time Stones aficionado, found himself so close to the stage that he quipped about receiving a "lap dance from Mick Jagger." His enthusiasm was palpable, a sentiment echoed by many in the room.
Mary-Kate Olsen, often elusive in the public eye, secured a front-row seat and let loose as the Stones performed. The atmosphere was electric, amplified by Questlove's DJ sets that bookended the live performance. An hour before the 8 p.m. start time, the presence of sound trucks, barriers, and security lining the nearby streets signaled that this wasn't just another night in Chelsea; it was an event.
"Hackney Diamonds" isn't just another album in the Stones' discography; it's a project that features tracks with the late Charlie Watts and former member Bill Wyman. Guest appearances by Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Paul McCartney make it a collaborative effort that spans generations and genres. The album closes with "Rolling Stone Blues," a nod to the Muddy Waters song that inspired the band's name.
The album's reception has been a topic of debate, dividing critics who either see it as a desperate bid for one more hit or appreciate its contemporary flair and collaborations. The Stones have shown that they can still pull off a show that resonates with both old fans and new. The inclusion of Lady Gaga was a masterstroke, bridging generations and musical genres in a single night.
Is "Hackney Diamonds" any good? Read PopFiltr's review of "Hackney Diamonds".
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