Andrew Watt Confirms Producing New Rolling Stones Album: “It’s Like Working for Batman”

Legendary producer Andrew Watt is back in the studio with The Rolling Stones, brewing up fresh tracks that promise to keep rock’s greatest alive and kicking.

Back in the Studio With Rock Royalty

If you’ve been craving new music from The Rolling Stones, you’re in for a treat. Andrew Watt, the Grammy-winning producer who brought us the Stones’ acclaimed 24th album Hackney Diamonds in 2023, has confirmed he’s reunited with the iconic band for their upcoming release.

Watt, known for his work with the likes of Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Ed Sheeran, revealed to Rolling Stone that working with the Stones again feels like “working for Batman.” That playful nod hints at the sheer power and mystique of collaborating with rock legends who’ve defined generations.

The Rolling Stones rock the stage with timeless energy.

“When the Tongue is Up in the Air…”

The Stones’ iconic tongue logo is more than a symbol—it’s a signal that when it’s “up in the air,” you just know something epic is brewing. Watt teased, “I can say we did some recording together, but that’s all I can say.” Mysterious, right? But it’s enough to get any fan’s pulse racing.

This isn’t Watt’s first rodeo with the band. Earlier this year, he mentioned that The Stones had plenty of leftover material from the Hackney Diamonds sessions. According to him, the band had amassed around 18 years’ worth of music to sift through, and new songs naturally flowed as the creative juices kept rolling.

The iconic cover of Hackney Diamonds remains fresh in fans’ minds.

Chiswick Studios and Late-Night Sessions

By April, reports surfaced that the band was hard at work on the new album, laying down tracks at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick. Thirteen songs were said to be completed, and things seemed to be moving fast.

Adding to the excitement, Keith Richards’ son Marlon Richards spilled some insider tea in an interview for Record Collector back in May. He shared that the band was recording “right now” and that the album was “nearly done.” What’s more, the Stones are still burning the midnight oil, working from after lunch until 2 a.m.—a schedule that sounds like pure rock ‘n’ roll magic (or madness, depending on how you look at it).

“They have enough left over from the last one,” Marlon said, referring to Hackney Diamonds. “They’re all hyped up on that Grammy: ‘Oh, yeah—we can do another one like that!’ I think they’re doing the follow-up.”

Touring Plans and European Dreams

Marlon also hinted at plans for a European tour, which fans have been eagerly anticipating. After US stadium shows last year, the Stones had reportedly scrapped their 2025 UK and European tour plans due to scheduling conflicts. However, whispers of a 2026 European tour have been circulating, promising the band will return to those legendary stages soon.

Their last UK performances were in 2022, including two massive BST Hyde Park gigs and a stadium show at Liverpool’s Anfield—events that still resonate with the energy only The Rolling Stones can generate.

Crafting the Sound: The Art of Refinement

Guitarist Ronnie Wood offered some insight into the creative process behind the scenes. He revealed the band had to cut about 23 songs from the Hackney Diamonds sessions and expressed confidence that it wouldn’t be another 18 years before the next album drops.

Wood described the songwriting process like sculpting: “You mold it like a clay model. You know, the car out of stone like Michelangelo.” It’s a perfect metaphor for how The Stones painstakingly refine their music, ensuring each track carries their signature blend of rawness and polish.

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Legacy That Keeps Rolling

When Hackney Diamonds dropped, it was met with critical acclaim, hailed as an “absolute barnstormer” by reviewers. The album felt like a triumphant statement from a band that’s been at the top of their game for decades.

If this new album follows in those thunderous footsteps, we might just be witnessing another milestone in the storied career of The Rolling Stones. As Watt and the band lock horns in the studio, the anticipation builds for what’s next.

The Countdown to New Stones Music

So here we are, on the cusp of a fresh chapter in one of rock’s greatest stories. With Andrew Watt at the production helm, the promise of new Rolling Stones tunes feels like a perfect storm of experience, creativity, and legacy.

Will this new album shake the foundations like Hackney Diamonds did? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—when The Stones are involved, it’s never just music; it’s a cultural event.

“I’ve said it before, but it’s like working for Batman.” – Andrew Watt

FAQ

• How long has Andrew Watt worked with The Rolling Stones?
  Andrew Watt produced the band’s Grammy-winning 24th album Hackney Diamonds in 2023 and has recently reunited with them for their new project.
• Where are The Rolling Stones recording their new album?
  The band has been recording at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick, London, working late into the night.
• Are there any leftover songs from the last album?
  Yes, the band reportedly has leftover material from Hackney Diamonds, some of which might be finished and included in the new album.
• Is The Rolling Stones planning a tour soon?
  While the 2025 UK and European tour was canceled, there are rumors of a 2026 European tour in the works.
• How does The Rolling Stones’ creative process work?
  According to Ronnie Wood, they approach songwriting like sculpting, molding and refining tracks over time to achieve the perfect sound.

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