The Rolling Stones: New Album “Done” and Set for 2026 Release

In a revelation that may have surprised the rock world, Ronnie Wood has confirmed that the Rolling Stones’ highly anticipated new album is “done” and slated for release in 2026. The 78-year-old guitarist made the announcement during a September 30, 2025, interview with The Sun at the band’s RS No9 shop in London’s Carnaby Street, stating, “Yes, you will be getting a new album next year. It is done.”

This follows months of speculation and builds on the momentum from their 2023 release Hackney Diamonds, marking another milestone for a band that’s outlasted generations. As Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Wood continue to defy age, this untitled project promises to blend their signature blues-rock edge with fresh energy, potentially accompanied by a tour to showcase the material live.

The Rolling Stones’ saga is one of rock’s most enduring tales. Formed in 1962 in London, the original lineup—Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richards on guitar, Brian Jones on multi-instruments, Bill Wyman on bass, and Charlie Watts on drums—emerged as the raw, rebellious alternative to the Beatles’ polish. Drawing from American blues masters like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry, they crafted seminal albums such as Out of Our Heads (1965), Let It Bleed (1969), and Sticky Fingers (1971), spawning timeless anthems like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” and “Wild Horses.”

Their live performances, fueled by Jagger’s charismatic swagger and Richards’s riff mastery, became legendary, even as tragedies struck: Jones’s death in 1969 and Watts’s passing in 2021. Ronnie Wood joined in 1975, solidifying the core trio that persists today. Despite internal feuds, substance struggles, and lineup shifts like Wyman’s retirement in 1993, the Stones have released 30 studio albums, sold over 240 million records, and earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

The new album’s journey began in the wake of Hackney Diamonds, which shattered expectations by debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and earning rave reviews for its vitality. Produced by Andrew Watt, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Eddie Vedder, the 2023 record featured collaborations with Lady Gaga on “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” and Paul McCartney on “Bite My Head Off,” blending gritty rockers with soulful ballads.

Sessions for the follow-up reportedly kicked off in early 2025, with the band reuniting in Los Angeles and London studios. Watt, reprising his role as producer, has hinted at a continuation of the raw, collaborative spirit that defined the previous effort. While details remain under wraps and no tracklist or title has been revealed, Wood’s confirmation puts to rest earlier uncertainties, suggesting a polished product ready for mixing and mastering.

This development aligns with the Stones’ recent surge in activity. The Hackney Diamonds Tour showcased the band’s undiminished prowess, with Jagger, at 82, delivering high-kicking performances and Richards, 81, churning out iconic riffs. Wood teased that tours could follow the new album, potentially extending into 2026 with stadium shows in North America and beyond. Such plans would capitalize on the band’s live legacy, where they’ve grossed billions over decades.

For the Stones, creating new music at this stage is both a triumph and a challenge. Health problems such as Jagger’s 2019 heart surgery and Richards’s ongoing arthritis loom large, yet their passion persists. In interviews, Jagger has emphasized the joy of collaboration, while Richards credits the process for keeping them vibrant.

The new album is expected to explore themes of legacy, resilience, and perhaps mortality, echoing the reflective tone of Hackney Diamonds tracks like “Live by the Sword.” With Watt’s modern production layering crisp guitars over vintage grooves, the record aims to appeal to both longtime devotees and younger listeners discovering the band via TikTok or Spotify.

The music industry context adds intrigue. In an age of fragmented listening, the Stones’ approach of releasing full albums amid tours bucks trends, yet their brand remains a juggernaut. Hackney Diamonds sold over a million copies worldwide, proving there’s appetite for new material from rock elders like McCartney or Dylan. Challenges include navigating digital platforms and ensuring accessibility, but the band’s savvy positions them well.

As anticipation builds, the Rolling Stones’ new album represents rock’s timeless allure. Whether it’s a final bow or another reinvention, 2026 promises a soundtrack to their unyielding saga. Fans worldwide await, ready to satisfy their craving for that timeless and unmistakable Stones groove.