The world’s greatest rock and roll band is back with a "month of concentrated punch." On May 5, 2026, the legendary trio officially announced the Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues album, their 25th studio effort and a high-octane successor to 2023’s Hackney Diamonds. Launching with a star-studded event at The Weylin in Brooklyn, the band confirmed that the new record will arrive this summer, bringing a blend of veteran grit and modern production to a global audience that remains hungry for the Stones' signature "ancient form of weaving."
Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues Album Details
For those looking for a quick breakdown of the upcoming release, here are the essential facts regarding the new record:
- Foreign Tongues Release Date: July 10, 2026
- Primary Producer: Andrew Watt
- Lead Singles: "In The Stars" and "Rough and Twisted"
- Notable Guest Artists: Paul McCartney, Robert Smith (The Cure), Steve Winwood, and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Label: Capitol Records
The Brooklyn Announcement: From the Weylin to the World
The band chose the cavernous, historic The Weylin Brooklyn—the former Williamsburgh Savings Bank—as the backdrop for their grand reveal. In a Q&A session moderated by Conan O’Brien, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood appeared energized, discussing the creative fire that led to the July 10 release of Foreign Tongues. The atmosphere was electric, attended by celebrities ranging from Leonardo DiCaprio to Lindsey Vonn, signaling that the Stones remain a pinnacle of cultural relevance.
Mick Jagger noted that the recording process was defined by a "London vibe," having returned to Metropolis Studios London to capture the new material. Unlike the sprawling sessions of decades past, Foreign Tongues was born from a "month of concentrated punch," where the band often nailed tracks on the first take. Jagger confirmed that while 14 tracks were recorded during these intense sessions, the final tracklist is being curated to ensure a tight, impactful listening experience.
Foreign Tongues Guest List: McCartney, Robert Smith, and Beyond
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues album is its staggering lineup of guest contributors. The band has once again tapped Andrew Watt to produce, continuing the partnership that revitalized their sound on Hackney Diamonds. Watt’s ability to bridge the gap between classic rock sensibilities and modern sonic clarity is on full display here.
The Paul McCartney collaboration marks another historic moment in the "Beatles vs. Stones" saga, proving that the old rivals are now firmly in a season of mutual respect. Adding a darker, atmospheric layer to the record is a Robert Smith guest appearance; the Cure frontman’s involvement suggests the album may explore more moody, textured territory than its predecessor. Other confirmed contributors include the legendary Steve Winwood and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who lends his heavy-hitting style to several tracks.
The Secret History of 'The Cockroaches' and 'Rough and Twisted'
Leading up to the official announcement, the band engaged in a brilliant "guerrilla" marketing campaign using The Cockroaches pseudonym. For die-hard fans, this was a deep-cut reference to the band’s history; the Rolling Stones famously used the name "The Cockroaches" for secret, small-club performances in the 1970s and 80s, most notably at the El Mocambo in Toronto.
This time, the moniker was used to release a limited-edition Record Store Day single titled Rough and Twisted Rolling Stones fans scrambled to find. The track serves as a gritty counterpoint to the more melodic lead single, In The Stars Rolling Stones single, which was released alongside the album announcement. "Rough and Twisted" features a raw, blues-drenched sound that Keith Richards described as the "bedrock" of the new sessions, while "In The Stars" has already begun its ascent on the iTunes charts, signaling a potential late-career hit for the group.
Technical Artistry: The 'Ancient Form of Weaving'
A highlight of the Brooklyn launch was Ronnie Wood’s technical breakdown of the band's guitar dynamic. Wood explained that his preference for Open E tuning perfectly complements Keith Richards’ legendary use of Open G tuning. This interaction is what the band famously refers to as the "ancient form of weaving."
This style isn't about traditional lead and rhythm roles. Instead, it’s a fluid, intuitive mesh where the two guitars overlap and switch roles mid-song. "Somewhere in the middle, there’s this mesh," Wood explained. "Sometimes we cross accidentally!" Richards echoed this, noting that after fifty years of playing together, they no longer need to discuss arrangements—they simply "know" where the other is going. This telepathic musical connection is the engine behind Foreign Tongues.
Visual Identity: Nathaniel Mary Quinn and the Album Art
The visual presentation of Foreign Tongues is as striking as the music. The cover art, created by Nathaniel Mary Quinn, features a composite image where the faces of Jagger, Richards, and Wood merge into a singular, fractured entity. This is a significant departure from the glass-shattering aesthetics of Hackney Diamonds, leaning instead into a more surreal, fine-art approach.
The artwork was teased through a global puzzle campaign, where the band members posted individual segments on social media. This "merged faces" concept reflects the album’s theme of unity and shared history. Critics have already noted that the style echoes the band's legacy of iconic covers while pushing into the contemporary art world, much like their previous collaborations with Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.
The Charlie Watts Connection and Steve Jordan’s Role
A poignant element of the Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues album is the presence of the late Charlie Watts. It has been confirmed that the album features final recordings from Watts, ensuring his elegant, swinging percussion remains part of the band’s ongoing story. For the tracks recorded after his passing, Steve Jordan—the band's long-time friend and hand-picked successor—takes the drum throne.
Keith Richards has been vocal about the transition, stating that while the loss of Charlie was profound, the band needed to "make a new mark" with Jordan. Jordan’s style is punchier and more aggressive, which reportedly pushed the band toward the "concentrated punch" Jagger described at Metropolis Studios. The interplay between Watts' classic feel and Jordan’s modern drive gives the album a unique chronological depth.
Rolling Stones Tonight Show Schedule: When to Watch
To support the launch, the band is embarking on a three-night "takeover" of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This navigational guide ensures you won't miss a moment of the individual members' appearances:
- Mick Jagger: Wednesday, May 6
- Keith Richards: Thursday, May 7
- Ronnie Wood: Wednesday, May 13
These appearances are expected to feature live performances of "In The Stars" and potentially more details regarding a Rolling Stones 2026 tour. While some reports suggested a 2026 tour might be delayed, the energy surrounding these television spots suggests the band is far from slowing down.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- New Era: Foreign Tongues is the second album produced by Andrew Watt, solidifying a new creative era for the band.
- Historical Ties: The use of "The Cockroaches" pseudonym connects the new release to the band’s secret club-gig history.
- Artistic Collaboration: Nathaniel Mary Quinn’s cover art represents a sophisticated, merged visual identity for the trio.
- Posthumous Presence: Charlie Watts appears on select tracks, bridging the gap between the band's past and its future with Steve Jordan.
- Global Reach: The lead single "In The Stars" is already performing strongly on global charts following its May 5 debut.
Conclusion: The Stones' Unending Momentum
With the Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues album, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood prove that age is secondary to attitude. By embracing new collaborators like Robert Smith and Andrew Watt while honoring their roots through the "ancient form of weaving," the Stones have crafted a project that feels both nostalgic and vital. As the July 10 release approaches, the music world isn't just looking back at a legacy—it's witnessing the next chapter of a band that refuses to stop. Whether through the gritty riffs of "Rough and Twisted" or the melodic heights of "In The Stars," the Rolling Stones continue to speak the universal language of rock and roll, even when they’re using Foreign Tongues.
