One of the most iconic acts in rock and roll history, Britain’s legendary Rolling Stones, has made a thrilling announcement for fans across the globe: their 25th full-length studio album *Foreign Tongues* will officially hit shelves and streaming platforms on July 10. The reveal, made public via the band’s online channels on Tuesday, came paired with the immediate release of the album’s lead single, “In The Stars,” giving listeners an early taste of the new project.
This upcoming release marks the band’s second studio album in under three years, following 2021’s *Hackney Diamonds* — a record that marked an extraordinary comeback for the group, as it was their first new studio collection in 18 years. *Hackney Diamonds* went on to top album charts in more than 20 countries and earned widespread critical praise from music reviewers, building massive anticipation for whatever the band would create next.
To kick off promotion for the new album, the band’s three surviving founding and core members gathered in New York for a public promotional event hosted by beloved comedian Conan O’Brien. Founding members Mick Jagger (lead vocals) and Keith Richards (guitar), both 82 years old, were joined by 78-year-old bassist and longtime member Ronnie Wood in conversation, where they shared behind-the-scenes insights into the recording process and even gave attendees a sneak preview of several unheard tracks from the upcoming record. Behind-the-scenes footage of the trio working together in the recording studio was also shared to the band’s official Instagram channel to accompany the announcement, giving fans an intimate look at the album’s creation.
When discussing what keeps the veteran band creating new music decades after their rise to fame, Jagger emphasized that the joy of the craft remains undimmed. “We’re still having a lot of fun,” Jagger said, adding, “It’s a lot of fun, but also a lot of concentration.” During the on-stage conversation, O’Brien complimented Jagger on his still-powerful, distinctive vocals, noting that many performers see their vocal ability fade with age, while Jagger’s remains full of force and clarity. Jagger responded with a signature dry quip that drew laughter from the crowd: “Well, I was taking a lot more drugs in 1968.” He followed the joke with the simple secret behind his sustained vocal skill: “The secret is practice… it’s simple.”
Andrew Watt, one of the lead producers on *Foreign Tongues*, told AFP that collaborating with the legendary band was a career-defining experience. “I had the time of my life. I’m the biggest fan in the world,” Watt said of working on the project. The new album will also feature high-profile guest appearances from two other iconic rock figures: former Beatles bassist and frontman Sir Paul McCartney, and The Cure’s legendary lead singer and guitarist Robert Smith.
The official announcement puts an end to weeks of growing fan speculation that a new record was on the way. Last month, the band quietly released a limited-edition vinyl-only single under the alias “The Cockroaches” — a stage name the Stones have used for decades to play unannounced secret club shows. The one-off track “Rough And Twisted” was sold exclusively at select independent record stores, priced at exactly £10.07 ($13.64) in the UK — a detail that sharp-eyed fans quickly connected to a projected July 10 (10/07) release date, proving their speculation correct.
Notably absent from the event was any announcement of a supporting world tour, a staple of the band’s activity for decades. Multiple media outlets have reported that while the band’s management did discuss the possibility of a tour, the idea was ultimately set aside out of concern for the health risks that strenuous global touring would pose for the band’s octogenarian core members.