The Rolling Stones are set to release their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, on Friday. Ahead of its release, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood delivered an intimate acoustic performance of “Ringing Hollow” at a private London event on Wednesday. The exclusive preview showcased the duo alongside keyboardist Matt Clifford, capturing the anticipation surrounding the new record.
An Instagram-shared clip from the event, captioned “So this just happened in London…,” features Jagger, Wood, and Clifford performing the track in an informal setting. The venue, believed to be the St. Clement Hotel, aligns with photos from the band’s album launch gathering. Notably, Keith Richards was absent from the performance, though his absence remains unexplained. The album’s release arrives amid speculation about the band’s touring future, with Richards recently suggesting potential residency dates in major cities rather than traditional tours.
>The Rolling Stone review describes “Ringing Hollow” as a “loping country rocker” echoing Gram Parsons’ stylistic influence on the band. The track is characterized as a lyrical reflection on the band’s complex relationship with the U.S., highlighted by Jagger’s poignant lines: “Lady Liberty is wearing a frown” amid nostalgic verses from their past. The album’s themes continue to explore personal and cultural narratives through the group’s signature sound.
The band has already released singles including “Jealous Lover,” “Divine Intervention” (featuring Robert Smith of The Cure), and pre-releases “In the Stars” and “Rough and Twisted.” These tracks collectively build momentum for the upcoming Foreign Tongues album, which expands the group’s evolving musical landscape.
In parallel with the album, the Stones launched the six-part podcast Speaking in Tongues, hosted by Norah Jones. Episode Two is currently available, offering fans introspective conversations and behind-the-scenes insights into the band’s creative journey. The podcast complements the album’s multimedia rollout, inviting audiences deeper into their artistic process.
>Richards also addressed the band’s touring plans, stating, “I don’t know if tours are possible… It’s the traveling that takes it out of you.” However, he expressed openness to residency performances in iconic cities like London, New York, Paris, or Rome, emphasizing a desire to explore new formats that prioritize sustainability and fan engagement over traditional road shows.
