Storming back into the studio with renewed creative vigor, The Rolling Stones have launched an unexpected recording session at London’s Metropolis Studios since April 2025, pivoting their artistic focus after canceling their planned UK and European tour.
The legendary rockers shifted gears when scheduling conflicts with venues and promoters derailed their live performance plans, channeling their creative energy instead into what’s becoming their 25th studio album.
The current lineup features original members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards alongside longtime guitarist Ronnie Wood and drummer Steve Jordan, who joined after Charlie Watts’ passing.
They’ve reunited with Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, who helmed their critically acclaimed 2023 album “Hackney Diamonds,” their first collection of original material in 18 years that topped the charts upon release.
Sources close to the band report they’ve already laid down 13 new tracks, with discussions underway about adding more material to create a substantial release.
The new recordings build upon excess material from the “Hackney Diamonds” sessions, which originally yielded over 20 songs before being culled to 12 for that album.
Some unreleased material reportedly includes contributions from former bassist Bill Wyman and even Paul McCartney.
Despite Ronnie Wood’s concurrent involvement with Rod Stewart and a Faces documentary project, he’s now fully committed to the Stones’ studio work. Fans remain hopeful that Wood might make a surprise appearance at Glastonbury alongside Rod Stewart during the upcoming festival.
The band maintains their signature blues-rock sound while exploring contemporary production techniques, creating a bridge between their storied legacy and modern musical landscapes.
While fans may be disappointed by the tour cancellation, the unexpected studio sessions have generated significant excitement about new material.
The recording process demonstrates the band’s resilience and continued creative drive decades into their career.
The extensive mixing process involves balancing instruments through careful use of EQ and compression to ensure the Stones’ raw energy translates perfectly on the final recordings.
Industry insiders suggest the album, which requires only a few more tracks to reach completion, will showcase the Stones’ enduring ability to balance their historical heritage with fresh artistic perspectives.
The band has been exploring distribution options for the upcoming release, with plans to leverage streaming platform exclusives that would provide fans with high-fidelity listening experiences across services like Tidal and Deezer.
The band’s recording efforts come alongside preparations for a remastered edition of their 1976 album “Black and Blue” scheduled for release in November 2025 to commemorate Ronnie Wood’s 50th anniversary with the group.
