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Keith Richards delivered rock history last night. The Rolling Stones officially launched their 25th studio album with star-studded event in New York’s Brooklyn on May 5. Comedy icon Conan O’Brien, Leonardo DiCaprio, and legendary Paul McCartney were just some headliners who celebrated Foreign Tongues, coming July 10.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Album Title: Foreign Tongues, 14 tracks, releases July 10, 2026
- Event Location: The Weylin in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York
- Star Guests: Conan O’Brien, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure
- Recording Time: Album completed in just 4 weeks at Metropolis Studios in London
Conan O’Brien Hosts Unforgettable Album Preview Moment
Conan O’Brien took center stage as moderator for the exclusive Brooklyn event. The legendary late-night host joked that Foreign Tongues was finally the album where the Rolling Stones might “make it after decades of obscurity.” The audience erupted, loaded with celebrities, media figures, and music industry VIPs. O’Brien said the 14-track album crackles with urgency and immediacy reminiscent of 1972’s classic Exile on Main St.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood appeared energized and candid during their conversation. When O’Brien complimented Jagger’s voice, the singer wryly replied that he was “taking a lot of drugs in 1968.” Richards was characteristically unpredictable, occasionally forgetting to use the microphone until O’Brien playfully placed it against his lips.
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Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, and Surprise Star Collaborators Revealed
The Foreign Tongues roster reads like a rock hall of fame. Paul McCartney appears on the album, having eagerly wanted to “tick that box” and record with the Stones. Ronnie Wood laughed, saying McCartney declared, “Now I can say I’ve played with The Rolling Stones.” The Cure’s Robert Smith made an unexpected entrance, arriving in a long gown covered in lipstick. Jagger recalled their first meeting in the studio, and Smith was roped in on the spot to contribute.
Additional collaborators include Steve Winwood and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Late drummer Charlie Watts also appears on the blistering punk rocker “Hit Me In The Head,” recorded in Los Angeles during his final sessions before his 2021 death. The track showcases Watts’s legendary chops one final time.
Album Recording, Genres, and Creative Ambition
| Album Detail | Information |
| Album Title | Foreign Tongues |
| Track Count | 14 tracks |
| Release Date | July 10, 2026 |
| Producer | Andrew Watt (Grammy-winning) |
| Series Position | 25th studio album |
The Stones recorded Foreign Tongues in a blazing four weeks at Metropolis Studios in London. Jagger explained that tight timeframe forced creativity, requiring each song to prove its worth. Richards noted that riffs “come to you,” they don’t arrive on demand. The album spans country, rock, ballads, and dance music, refusing to stay boxed into single style.
“Ringing Hollow” serves as a country love song to America, inspired by Hank Williams. “Beautiful Delilah” draws from delta blues traditions. The Stones remain fearlessly ambitious after 60+ years, proving they still have something to prove. O’Brien said they play “like you have something to prove,” capturing the fire burning in these legendary musicians.
Star-Studded Brooklyn Event and Album Artwork Celebration
The Weylin, a historic Williamsburg bank constructed in 1875, hosted the exclusive event on Tuesday, May 5. Leonardo DiCaprio attended, as did director Baz Luhrmann and actress Odessa A’zion. Attendees enjoyed cocktails before the program, then experienced three unreleased tracks: “Rough and Twisted,” “Mr. Charm,” and “Jealous Lover.” The band also debuted the official video for lead single “In the Stars,” featuring A’zion dancing alongside a younger version of the band.
Nathaniel Mary Quinn, the New York artist who painted the album cover, attended and discussed bringing the piece to life. Jagger humorously called the cover “Mr. Ugly,” emphasizing it’s not computer-generated. The artwork represents an “amalgamation” of the iconic trio, painted by hand in New York.
What Comes Next for the Still-Hungry Rolling Stones?
The Rolling Stones face questions about touring following Foreign Tongues. The band scrapped UK and European stadium dates in 2026, citing Richards’s inability to commit. However, their Hackney Diamonds tour in 2024 grossed $235 million and ranked among the year’s highest-earning tours. O’Brien asked if the legendary musicians still find joy in the process. Jagger answered yes, noting concentration and fun run deep in four weeks versus months of studio time.
The Foreign Tongues launch proved one thing conclusively: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, and Ronnie Wood are not resting on legacy. They remain creatively restless, hungry to surprise audiences, and bold enough to recruit Paul McCartney and Robert Smith on the same album. The Stones continue rising, even after seven decades of shaping rock music.
