Rolling Stones top charts with new album

Ronnie Wood, left, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards at the launch of the new Rolling Stones album ‘Hackney Diamonds’. (Photo: Scott Garfitt/AP)

The Rolling Stones’ first album of original material since 2005 has claimed the number one spot in this week’s UK and Australian charts.

The Rolling Stones has topped the British music charts securing their 14th UK No.1 album with new record “Hackney Diamonds”.

Rockers Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, who released the record last week, outsold the rest of the top five of the Official Albums Chart, the Official Charts Company said in a statement.

The band, which formed in 1962, join The Beatles, Robbie Williams and Bruce Springsteen as acts with the most studio albums – 11 – to reach No.1 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart, it added.

“Hackney Diamonds”, the Stones’ first album of original material since 2005 and the first recording since drummer Charlie Watts died in 2021, also topped the Official Vinyl Albums Chart.

The album also topped charts in Australia and Germany.

Critically-acclaimed “Hackney Diamonds”,  a title that refers to broken glass after a robbery, features collaborations with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga. Former Stones bass player Bill Wyman joins the rhythm section along with drummer Steve Jordan.

Jagger, 80, and guitarists Richards, 79, and Wood, 76, recorded the 12-track album in London, New York, Los Angeles and Nassau. Watts features on two songs.

The Stones have had eight number-one singles in the UK including “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “Paint It Black” and “Honky Tonk Women”.

First published at Canberra City News, via AAP, October 29, 2023

McCartney, Starr confirm new Beatles release

Advances in technology and remastering have made it possible to release the Beatle’s
final song. (AP PHOTO)

SIR Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr have spoken of their “emotional” feelings ahead of the release of what they are calling the last Beatles song.

“Now And Then”, written and sung by John Lennon and later developed by the other band members including George Harrison, has been finished by Sir Paul and Sir Ringo decades after the original recording.

The track – sourced from a Lennon demo, using technology to extricate and isolate his voice – will be released on November 2.

A 12-minute documentary, written and directed by Oliver Murray, known for “My Life As A Rolling Stone”, and with commentary from Sir Ringo and Sir Paul, will be released with the new song.

The demo was recorded by Lennon in the late ’70s at his home in New York’s Dakota Building, and also features piano music.

After his death in 1980 aged 40, Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono gave the recording to the remaining Beatles in 1994 along with “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love”, which were released by the band in the same decade.

During this period, Harrison, Sir Paul and Sir Ringo recorded new parts and completed a rough mix for “Now And Then” with producer and musician Jeff Lynne.

However, the band did not release the song, citing issues extracting Lennon’s vocals and piano in a clear mix due to limited technology at the time.

Harrison died in November 2001 aged 58.

Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary “The Beatles: Get Back” used audio restoration technology that allowed for vocals, music and conservations by the band to be isolated.

Sir Paul said: “There it was, John’s voice, crystal clear. It’s quite emotional and we all play on it, it’s a genuine Beatles recording.

“In 2023, to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven’t heard, I think it’s an exciting thing.”

Sir Paul and Sir Ringo finished the song last year, including Harrison’s electric and acoustic guitar recorded in 1995.

Sir Ringo’s drum part was added alongside bass, guitar, piano and a slide guitar solo by Sir Paul, inspired by Harrison, as the surviving Beatles also put on their backing vocals to the chorus.

Sir Ringo said: “It was the closest we’ll ever come to having him back in the room so it was very emotional for all of us. It was like John was there, you know. It’s far out.”

Sean Ono Lennon, son of Lennon and Ono, said: “It was incredibly touching to hear them working together after all the years that dad had been gone.

“It’s the last song my dad, Paul, George and Ringo got to make together. It’s like a time capsule and all feels very meant to be.”

Harrison’s widow Olivia said: “If he were here today, (our son) Dhani and I know he would have whole-heartedly joined Paul and Ringo in completing the recording of ‘Now And Then’.”

First published at Canberra City News online, via Australian Associated Press, October 27, 2023

Michael Caine confirms retirement from acting

Michael Caine says he is finally retiring from acting at the age of 90. (AP PHOTO)

By Cormac Pearson in London

VETERAN British actor Sir Michael Caine has confirmed he has retired from acting after the release of his latest film.

“I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well, I am now,” the 90-year-old told the BBC.

“I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews… What am I going to do that will beat this?”

The Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta-winning actor has an extensive filmography, including classic films ranging from “Zulu” and “The Italian Job” to more recently in “Interstellar” and “The Dark Knight” franchise, alongside Christian Bale.

He has appeared in more than 160 films over a career that has spanned seven decades.

In his final film, “The Great Escaper”, which was released in the UK in early October, he plays real-life World War II veteran Bernie Jordan who escaped from a care home to attend D-Day celebrations in France.

“The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85,” he told BBC Radio 4’s “Today” program.

“They’re not going to be the lead. You don’t have leading men at 90, you’re going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this.”

Sir Michael said he had turned the film down three times before accepting the role as he considered himself retired.

He stars alongside Glenda Jackson, who died in June after the completion of the film.

Glenda Jackson. The two-time Oscar winner died Thursday at her home in London 

after a short illness, her agent said. Courtesy The Los Angeles Times, June 14 2023

(Evan Agostini / Invision / Associated Press)

His announcement comes a month before Sir Michael’s novel “Deadly Game” is scheduled for release.

The novel follows the adventures of DCI Harry Taylor, a detective with no respect for red tape or political reputations.

First published in Canberra City News, via Australian Associated Press, October 14, 2023