THE STONES SPARKLE

A new album means a secret club show, and Thursday night (10/19) The Rolling Stones celebrated the release of Hackney Diamonds with a performance at the 650-capacity Racket NYC, the former Highline Ballroom.

The Stones performed seven songs from the new album—including “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” with Lady Gaga (pictured)—and rocked their way through classics such as “Shattered,” “Tumbling Dice” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Manhattan joins Toronto, New Haven, Connecticut, Chicago and Los Angeles in the list of celeb-packed launch events for Stones albums. (Yes, they played a flatbed truck in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but those were tour announcements).

Among those taking in Thursday’s show were Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Chris Rock, Christie Brinkley, Ed Burns, Keegan-Michael Key and Andrew Watt, the producer of the new Geffen-released album. (Besides The Stones, this year alone Watt has produced Iggy Pop, Post Malone, The Kid LAROI and Jung Kook.)

Hours after the Stones rocked Manhattan, Universal Music opened a superstore in Harajuku, Japan, with a special Stones-centric RS No.9 Harajuku, which follows the RS No.9 Carnaby that opened in London in 2020. The four-floor Universal Music Store Harajuku features dedicated fan experiences, product launches and retail pop-up shops and includes exclusive original Japan-only merchandise and products. Lips & tongue—no translation necessary.

Photo: Kevin Mazur