The Rolling Stones reached significant milestones in 2023, especially in the Netherlands, with their latest album ‘Hackney Diamond’, marking their first studio release featuring new material since 2005. This album assumes a historical significance as it is the first release since the passing of their drummer, Charlie Watts. Released on October 20, ‘Hackney Diamond’ swiftly climbed the charts, securing the number one spot on the Hot 100 Albums Chart soon after its debut. Its resonance with the audience ensured its consistent presence at top positions throughout the year.
‘Hackney Diamond’ – A Mark of Resilience
The album ‘Hackney Diamond’ is not just a testament to the enduring legacy of the Rolling Stones, but also a tribute to the late Charlie Watts. It demonstrates the band’s resilience, with their ability to deliver chart-topping music even after six decades of their formation. The album, a mix of love songs, ballads, and country-type sounds, was recorded with Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, featuring drummer Steve Jordan on most tracks, filling in for Watts. Former Stone member Bill Wyman also appeared on one track.
Driving the Vinyl Revival
With ‘Hackney Diamond’, the Rolling Stones played a significant role in driving the resurgence of vinyl sales in the UK. The album was the second biggest vinyl seller of the year, with 78,767 units sold, symbolizing the resilience of the UK music market and the increasing fondness for physical music formats. The album also contributed to the 11.7% rise in vinyl sales to 5.9 million units – the highest annual level since 1990.
Stones on Tour
Complementing the success of the album, the Rolling Stones embarked on their Hackney Diamonds Tour, bringing their new tracks alongside the band’s timeless classics to live audiences across the U.S. and Canada. The tour, featuring guest contributions from music legends such as Elton John, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder, is reflective of the album’s global commercial success, having hit number one in 20 countries.
