Oi oi, rock ’n’ roll never dies – and neither do the Stones, apparently! At 80 years young, Mick Jagger and the lads are proving they’ve still got more riffs in the tank. Producer-to-the-stars Andrew Watt has officially confirmed he’s back in the studio with The Rolling Stones, cooking up brand-new music.
🔥 That means we could be getting a follow-up to 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, the record that gave us “Angry,” “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” (with Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga, no less), and a reminder that Keef can still knock out a riff dirtier than a festival portaloo.
Who’s Andrew Watt, then?
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Watt has become rock’s busiest producer:
- He’s worked with Ozzy Osbourne (Patient Number 9), Pearl Jam (Dark Matter), Post Malone, Elton John, and even Iggy Pop.
- He also produced Hackney Diamonds, which many fans hailed as their best record since the ’80s. Proper job, mun! 🏴
What can we expect?
Details are scarce (this is the Stones, they love a bit of mystery), but Watt teased that they’re already laying down tracks and that the energy in the room is “insane.” Considering the band’s mix of legacy swagger and Watt’s knack for giving classic acts a modern punch, we’re expecting:
- 🔥 Big stadium anthems ready for another world tour.
- 🎤 Jagger’s unmistakable snarl front and centre.
- 🎸 Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood trading riffs like it’s still ’72.
- 🥁 Steve Jordan (taking over Charlie’s throne) keeping it locked down.
Why does this matter?
Because every time the Stones drop a new record, it feels like history. These blokes were the history – and they’re still writing it. After Hackney Diamonds topped charts around the globe, the follow-up could cement their late-era legacy.
And let’s be honest… who doesn’t want another excuse to belt “Start Me Up” in a stadium while drinking overpriced lager? 🍺
👉 Question is: what do you reckon the vibe will be – another polished diamond, or a rough ’n’ ready blues return?
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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