ROLLING STONES’ RONNIE WOOD CONFIRMS NEW ALBUM IS “DONE”

The Rolling Stones are showing no signs of slowing down. Guitarist Ronnie Wood has revealed that the band’s long-rumoured new album is officially complete, and fans can expect it to be released in 2026.

Speculation has been swirling since the summer about new material from the Stones, and excitement grew earlier this month when producer Andrew Watt confirmed he had once again been working with the band.

Watt, who has previously collaborated with Elton John, Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran, played a major role in the group’s last record, 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, which won a Grammy and was widely praised as a late-career triumph. Now, he’s back at the controls for the Stones’ 25th studio album.

“It is done”

Speaking to press, Ronnie Wood was upbeat about the new project:

“Yes you will be getting a new album next year. It is done.”

The guitarist also hinted that a tour could follow the release, adding:

“Yes we are hoping to do some dates. Hopefully we will be back out there but I am still waiting to find out myself.”

For fans, the news of new music, and the possibility of another tour, is nothing short of thrilling.

The Rolling Stones ‘Hackney Diamonds’ album artwork - Credit: PRESS

A legacy still growing

The new record will mark the Rolling Stones’ 25th studio album, extending a discography that already spans more than six decades. Since forming in 1962, the band has sold over 200 million records worldwide and remained one of the most enduring live acts in music history.

Even with the loss of legendary drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the Stones have continued to evolve. Hackney Diamonds was their first album of original material in nearly 20 years and proved they could still deliver songs with energy, swagger and contemporary relevance.

What’s next for the Stones?

While details about the upcoming album remain tightly under wraps, fans can expect Watt’s modern production style blended with the Stones’ trademark blues-rock grit. If Hackney Diamonds was any indication, the band still has plenty to say musically.

As for live shows, nothing has been officially announced, but a world tour in support of their 25th album would undoubtedly sell out stadiums once again. After more than 60 years on the road, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood remain masters at commanding a crowd.

For now, the big news is that the Stones are back, the album is complete, and 2026 is shaping up to be another milestone year in their remarkable career.