The Rolling Stones’ new album Hackney Diamonds sets US chart record

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.

The Rolling Stones with Jimmy Fallon in Hackney
IMAGE SOURCE,IAN WEST
Image caption,
The band launched the new album at an event in Hackney hosted by comedian Jimmy Fallon

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.

Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards celebrating their recent success
IMAGE SOURCE,OFFICIAL CHARTS COMPANY
Image caption,
The group received an award from the Official Charts Company for reaching number one in the UK

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.

Despite this record breaking achievement in the US, The Rolling Stones still sit behind Cliff Richard in the UK, who has number one albums across eight decades.

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.”

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