Ronnie Wood Says The Rolling Stones’ New Album Is Complete and Near Release

Album 25 on the Horizon

Ronnie Wood has confirmed that The Rolling Stones have finished work on a new album, which is expected to be released in 2026. Rumors of fresh material began earlier this summer and gained momentum when producer Andrew Watt shared that he had been in the studio with the band.

Watt, who has also worked with Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Ed Sheeran, helped produce the group’s last record, Hackney Diamonds, released in 2023. That album, the Stones’ 24th studio effort, went on to win a Grammy. Now, fans can look forward to album 25, which appears to be ready for release.

Ronnie Wood Confirms the News

Speaking to The Sun’s Bizarre column at the RS No.9 store in Carnaby Street, Wood made the announcement directly. “Yes you will be getting a new album next year. It is done,” he said.

The guitarist had been at the shop to sign copies of his double anthology record Fearless. During the same appearance, Wood also hinted at touring plans with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. When asked about future live shows, he replied: “Yes we are hoping to do some dates. Hopefully we will be back out there but I am still waiting to find out myself.”

Studio Work and Family Insight

Hints of the upcoming release have surfaced throughout the year. In May, Keith Richards’ son Marlon revealed that the band was still recording. Speaking with Record Collector, he explained: “They’re in town right now, recording. They’re in Chiswick [West London] or somewhere like that; I think they’re nearly done. They still maintain these ridiculous hours: after lunch until, like, two in the morning.”

When pressed on what the sessions were for, Marlon said: “I guess an album – they have enough left over from the last one.” He added that the success of Hackney Diamonds had motivated them further. “They gave them a Grammy, so now they’re all hyped up on that: ‘Oh, yeah – we can do another one like that! We’ve got more like that if you want…’. I think they’re doing the follow-up.”

Touring Speculation

Marlon also suggested that a European tour could follow the album’s release, although no official plans have been shared. “I think they’re planning a tour of Europe,” he said.

The Stones toured stadiums across the United States in 2023. However, reports earlier this year indicated that a planned UK and European tour had been dropped due to scheduling conflicts. Their last British shows were in 2022, when they played two headline concerts at BST Hyde Park and a stadium date at Liverpool’s Anfield.