The Rolling Stones’ Latest Album Draws Inspiration from Iconic Toronto Performances
The Rolling Stones are set to release a new album titled Foreign Tongues, and guitarist Ronnie Wood recently shared that the inspiration behind this album stems from the band’s early days in Toronto. Wood reminisced about the legendary shows the band played at El Mocambo in 1977, a time that marked his start in the band and was filled with chaotic incidents.
Wood recalled falling ill around the time of these shows, and he humorously recounted how Mick Jagger and Keith Richards raided his hotel room and indulged in his champagne, marking his unofficial “initiation” into the band. Additionally, the RCMP had a run-in with Richards and his then-girlfriend for heroin possession during this wild period in Toronto.
The infamous shows at El Mocambo in 1977 were pivotal for the Rolling Stones, as they performed under the pseudonym The Cockroaches to surprise fans. The Stones were meant to be the opening act for April Wine, but instead, they took the stage as the headliners, offering fans an intimate show from one of the world’s biggest bands at that time.
The rollout for their new single “Rough & Twisted” also paid homage to these shows by releasing the single under the Cockroaches moniker in select Canadian record stores. The band set up a promotional website featuring the pseudonym and a poster from the El Mocambo shows, maintaining the nostalgic theme of these iconic performances. The new album Foreign Tongues has taken inspiration from the carefree and rowdy spirit of the 1977 era, evident in the song structures and numerous guitar solos.
Wood reflected on the recording process, expressing his desire for more guitar solos, to which Jagger humorously replied that Wood already had a solo in every song. Teasing several tracks from the upcoming album, Wood highlighted the band’s revitalized energy and drive captured in the new songs. Additionally, the album will include covers and tributes to late artists, including a rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good” and a track dedicated to the memories of Brian Wilson and Sly Stone.
As the excitement builds for the release of Foreign Tongues on July 10, the Rolling Stones have prepared a series of additional content for fans. This includes a podcast titled Speaking in Tongues, featuring interviews with band members and a new single titled “Jealous Lover,” set to debut on June 26. The album boasts 14 tracks, with contributions from music icons like Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Chad Smith, and Steve Winwood.
The Rolling Stones’ upcoming album Foreign Tongues promises a nostalgic journey back to their legendary performances in Toronto, capturing the essence of their early days and the wild spirit that defined their music. Stay tuned for the official release on July 10 to experience the magic of the Rolling Stones’ latest musical venture.