The Rolling Stones have unveiled details of their upcoming album Foreign Tongues, set for release on July 10, which includes what is believed to be the final recording of their late drummer Charlie Watts. The legendary band, now comprising Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, all in their late seventies and eighties, show no signs of slowing down with this energetic new collection.
Album Launch and Track Details
The album was launched in New York at an event hosted by US television star Conan O'Brien, with Leonardo DiCaprio among the audience. A video shown at the event captured the band members playfully interacting in the studio, exuding a youthful spirit. The album's first single, In The Stars, was released on Tuesday alongside the opening track Rough And Twisted, with a physical release scheduled for May 15.
Charlie Watts' Final Contribution
The band describes Watts' appearance on the album as a special moment captured during one of his last recording sessions before his death in 2021. Frontman Mick Jagger elaborated: "It's real fast, like a punk rocker… Charlie plays great — it's a super-fast song." This track is expected to be a highlight for fans, showcasing Watts' enduring talent.
Recording Process and Collaborations
Most of the album was recorded in just four weeks at Metropolis Studios in London. Jagger noted the urgency of the tight timeline: "Only having four weeks gave us an urgency. We're having fun most of the time in the studio, but it's a lot of concentration too — you've really got to make a song's five minutes count." The sessions were intense but productive, yielding 14 tracks.
Guitarist Keith Richards emphasised the band's commitment to freshness: "You don't just want to sit on what you've done before. We put it together, we love to do it, and there is always something more in there." He described the month as a "concentrated punch" driven by enjoyment.
The core trio was backed by regular collaborators including Darryl Jones, Matt Clifford, and drummer Steve Jordan. Notable guest appearances include Robert Smith of The Cure, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Paul McCartney. McCartney, who was recording in a neighbouring studio, joined the band, marking his second collaboration after playing on their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds. Ronnie Wood joked: "He wanted to tick that box… 'Now I can say I've played with the Rolling Stones! Wow!'"
Album Formats and Release
Foreign Tongues will be available in multiple formats, including CD, cassette, vinyl record, and special box sets. The single In The Stars will also be released on CD and vinyl.
Band Legacy and Line-Up History
The Rolling Stones are widely regarded as one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time, with eight UK number one singles and 14 UK number one albums. Their iconic songs include (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, Start Me Up, Brown Sugar, and Jumpin' Jack Flash. The original line-up featured Jagger, Richards, Watts, guitarist Brian Jones (died 1969), and bassist Bill Wyman (left in the early 1990s). Jones was succeeded by Mick Taylor for a classic run of albums including Let It Bleed (1969), Sticky Fingers (1971), and Exile On Main Street (1972), before Wood joined in 1975.
Foreign Tongues by The Rolling Stones will be released on July 10 via Polydor/Universal Music.
