Just four hours after The Rolling Stones announced their new LP Foreign Tongues and unveiled the lead single ‘In the Stars,’ the band took over the Weylin in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The event, hosted by Conan O’Brien, drew an elite crowd including Leonardo DiCaprio, Christie Brinkley, and Andrew Watt, setting the stage for a night of reflection and revelation.
O’Brien opened the evening with his signature wit, joking about the band’s humble beginnings in 1962 and their long road to success. While the Q&A session was marked by occasional audio technicalities, the energy in the room remained electric as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood discussed the creative process behind their latest work.
A New Era of Visual Storytelling
The night concluded with the premiere of the music video for ‘In the Stars.’ The visual features a striking, de-aged version of Mick Jagger, reminiscent of his 1960s persona, performing in a club setting. The video also stars actress Odessa A’zion, who was present at the event to celebrate the project’s debut.
The Legacy of Charlie Watts
A poignant highlight of the evening was the confirmation that the late Charlie Watts remains a presence on the new record. The band revealed that the track ‘Hit Me in the Head’ was recorded in Los Angeles with Watts before his passing. Jagger described the song as a “real fast punk rocker,” while Keith Richards noted that Steve Jordan, who plays on the remainder of the album, was personally recommended by Watts to carry the torch.
“He was recommended by Charlie. Charlie passed on the baton to him.” — Keith Richards
Collaborations and Creative Speed
The album, recorded in London over just four weeks, features a surprising array of guests. Beyond the expected rock pedigree, the band revealed that Robert Smith of The Cure contributed backing vocals. Jagger recounted a chance encounter at the studio where he discovered the iconic frontman, leading to an impromptu collaboration. Additionally, the album includes tracks featuring Paul McCartney, which Richards noted came about during a casual studio session.
The Future of the Road
Despite the excitement surrounding the new music, the band remained notably silent regarding a potential tour. With previous dates cancelled and no immediate plans for live performances, the question of whether the legendary group has shifted their focus exclusively to the studio remains unanswered. For now, fans are left to enjoy Foreign Tongues as a testament to the band’s enduring creative vitality.