The Rolling Stones have returned to No. 1 in the U.K. with their acclaimed new album Hackney Diamonds.
The Stones’ latest album bumps from 6 to 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, published Friday, Dec. 22, for its second non-consecutive week at the top.
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Featuring collaborations with Lady Gaga, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, and contributions from former bass player Bill Wyman and the group’s late drummer Charlie Watts, Hackney Diamonds (released by Polydor) is the Stones’ first album of original material in 18 years– since A Bigger Bang, which peaked to No. 2 in 2005.
Following its release in October, the LP went straight to No. 1 for the rock legends’ 14th U.K. No. 1, by outselling the rest of the top 5 combined.
“It’s a wonderful way to round off 2023,” the Stones say in a statement published by the Official Charts Company. “Thank you to everyone for listening to Hackney Diamonds. Have a very happy Christmas and New Year.”
The Christmas gift for the Stones also doubles-up as a late birthday present for guitarist Keith Richards, who turned 80 on December 18.
Following the initial release of Hackney Diamonds, The Rolling Stones also announced the forthcoming release of Hackney Diamonds (Live Edition) featuring all seven tracks performed at October’s launch event at Racket in New York City.
Set to be released on January 19, the 2CD format includes debut performances of four tracks from the recent album including “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” (with Lady Gaga) as well as performances of “Shattered,” “Tumbling Dice,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
In November, the Stones announced a sprawling North American tour. The band will traverse the country (with one date in Canada) in support of their new album. The dates kick off on April 28 in Houston, Texas.
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