Historically, rock bands aren’t exactly known for being drama-free. Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, a slew of stories involving drugs, betrayal, and infighting surrounded some of the most beloved bands in history. While many groups, from Fleetwood Mac to Led Zeppelin, can coyly own up to dozens of salacious stories, few can say they have weathered it all and remained a band like The Rolling Stones can.
On the cusp of their 25th album, Foreign Tongues, and in the wake of their bandmate Charlie Watts’ 2021 death, famed guitarist Keith Richards offered some heartfelt thoughts on their longevity in a 2023 CBS Sunday Morninginterview that the Stones recently reshared on their official Instagram page.
“I think we basically, we love each other and we love our music,” Richards said plainly. “And when you’re doing it, you don’t really think about it. But I think with Charlie [Watts] going, I’ve realized more and more how special that is. I mean, there’s something about the Stones, and there’s something about us all that sort of says, ‘No, we stick together.’ And then you can’t just drop it, you know. You’ve got to follow it right down to the end, down the tunnel.”
Foreign Tongues, slated for release this week on July 10, 2026, promises to blend familiar Stones tunes with contributions from cutting-edge and classic artists. Steve Winwood, Robert Smith, Chad Smith, and the legendary Paul McCartneyall have guest spots on the album, as does work by the late Watts.
According to an interview with MOJO magazine, singer Mick Jagger spoke about the album’s concept, which seems to generally focus on the dysphoria circulating in and around America.
“It’s about America as an idea,” Jagger elaborated to MOJO about the band’s new song, “Ringing Hollow.” “The American Dream is intact for some people, and I’m sure we can find some wonderful immigrant stories that happened in the last 12 months, but we read about the decline of the American Empire. Is the Iran war America’s Suez moment? Well, it’s not the same at all, but there are a lot of questions about imperial overreach and the lobbying system. The money spent on an election is absurd – it’s not corruption per se, but unnecessary. Is it indicative of this administration, or is it something that has been happening a long time? In any case, it’s not the same place as it was.”
Related: 1981 Rolling Stones Dreamy Song Took Almost a Decade To Make
The Stones’ Most Political Songs
Historically, the Stones have never shied away from controversial topics or politically charged lyrics. “Sympathy for the Devil” meanders through history from “evil’s” point of view, highlighting moments of war, disease, and famine across time. “Mother’s Little Helper” addresses the prescription pill epidemic plaguing neglected housewives. “Street Fighting Man” was just one of the anti-Vietnam War songs they produced in their time together. And that’s just a handful of samples featuring the band’s strong political views.
Knowing they are keeping that rebellious spirit alive still warms the hearts of fans across the globe. And knowing that they are still doing it just because they love it will make the new album sound all the sweeter.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jul 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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