Photo Credit: Marc Millman
Earlier in the week, rumblings of a secret Rolling Stones gig breezed through New York City. For a band long associated with seemingly impromptu club performances intended for an intimate audience–they had strategically assigned timing to reflect a preconceived agenda: A release party in celebration of their latest studio endeavor, the 12-track set, Hackney Diamonds. Included was a special appearance by Lady Gaga, who sings on the track “Sweet Sounds of Heaven.”
Before the veteran musicians appeared on stage at Racket in New York City, the night started off with a DJ set courtesy of Quest Love, and Samantha Urbani, who ignited the 650-capacity space, which soon filled with the likes of VIP guests: Elvis Costello, Daniel Craig, Chris Rock, and more, anticipating the prospect of an exceptional musical performance from one of the genres most auspicious groups.
Just after 10 p.m., the room dimmed, and with six decades worth of gained swagger, a la Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood appearing on stage. Joining the core members were bassist Darryl Jones, drummer Steve Jordan, keyboardist Matt Clifford, and background vocalist Chanel Haynes, who assisted throughout the event on choice numbers, ranging from beloved fan favorites to new material from their latest LP.
Before the music began, Jagger directed his attention at the audience, asking: “How are you doing?” And, preluding what was to come, adding, “You having a good time? We’re going to play old! We’re going to play new!” Staying true to his word, the band ripped into the 1978 released “Shattered” before following up with a live debut of “Angry,” which represented Rolling Stone’s initial pull off Hackney Diamonds.
From one new tune to the next, the band ran through “Whole Wide World” before stepping back to 1972 on “Tumbling Dice,” a song that returned to the band’s live archive after a two-year hiatus in 2021. After a tight run-through of the Exile on Main St. tune, Jagger directed his focus at the audience again: “This is the first club gig we’ve played in a long time in New York. I used to come to this club when it was called the Highline. Then it was called Blow and then Powder. Anyway, it’s great to be here making a racket. We’re going to make a racket with this next one. It’s called ‘Bite My Head Off.’”
Following the aforementioned debut, the band closed the main frame after a lively rendition of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (it’s a gas, gas, gas). For the final musical moment of the event, The Rolling Stones strode off stage in fitting end-of-set fashion, only to return moments later and welcome one of their Hackney Diamonds collaborator to the stage. Gaga appeared assisting on “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” adding her pristine vocals to the gospel-leaning ballad.
Upon completing the musical performance, Gaga added, “Ladies and gentlemen, The Rolling Stones” before urging them to “Take a bow.” The band’s Racket gig marked one of their smallest venue locations to date–particularly in the Tri-State area. The intimate environment assisted with the close feeling of friends experiencing new music for the first time.
Stream Hackney Diamonds now.