What takes a long time… The Rolling Stones released their new album “Hackney Diamonds” in October 2023 – 18 years after the last release with new songs. The effort was worth it in many ways, because it is now clear: the album is the best-selling album of 2023 in Germany.
“Hackney Diamonds” reached number one in Germany when it was released – as well as in 19 countries worldwide. The Stones were immediately assured of gold status and are also on course for platinum. Since the band has also released several vinyl versions that are interesting for collectors, the Stones have already secured the most successful vinyl release of 2023. Now there is another milestone, because according to the GfK annual chart evaluation, “Hackney Diamonds” is also the best-selling album of 2023.
This is how the Rolling Stones reacted to their success
Keith Richards, who turns 80 on December 18th, thanks the fans with the following words: “Thank you, Germany. What a great birthday present. You are the best!” And Mick Jagger is also touched by the success: “Thank you, Germany. It’s great that we can end the year like this.”
“Wow, I can’t believe ‘Hackney Diamonds’ became the album of the year in Germany. An honor,” emphasizes Ronnie Wood. “Thanks to everyone who bought the album, I hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed recording it. Hopefully we’ll see each other soon in Germany.”
Frank Briegmann (Chairman & CEO Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon) says of the album’s overwhelming success: “We just released ‘Hackney Diamonds’ in October and in these few weeks we have sold the most albums in Germany in 2023 – what for an achievement! The success once again underlines the Stones’ legendary status! I’m happy with the band and my entire team, congratulations on the album of the year!”
The next highlight for the fans is already in the starting blocks
“Hackney Diamonds (Live Edition)” will be released as a 2-CD version on December 15th. In addition to the original album, the version also contains the complete recording of the release show from October 19th at the Racket Club in New York. The Rolling Stones will also be performing live again next spring – the band will be going on a “Hackney Diamonds” tour through North America from April to July 2024.