The Rolling Stones' legendary guitarist Keith Richards has spoken out about his disappointment with the current state of America, describing it as a 'bit of a crushing blow'. With over four decades under his belt in the States – he made Connecticut home in 1985 – Richards' words carry significant weight. His sentiments were shared ahead of the band's eagerly anticipated new album, 'Foreign Tongues', set to drop on July 10.
The album is already generating buzz, with its tracklist featuring a song called 'Ringing Hollow'. While Richards stopped short of confirming any direct criticism of Donald Trump, he hinted that it's more about 'a nostalgic love affair with America – but it's turned into a bit of a crushing blow at the moment'. The guitarist also touched on the financial strain many Americans are feeling, saying, 'All you hear is people moaning about the price of gas. This really does hurt people.'
Frontman Mick Jagger further shed light on the inspiration behind 'Ringing Hollow', explaining that it's not solely about Trump's America but rather a broader exploration of America and its current state. He noted, 'We read about the decline of the American Empire – it’s not the same as it used to be, but there are plenty of questions surrounding imperial overreach and the lobbying system.' Lyrics from the song reportedly include the poignant line: 'Lady Liberty don't look so good when there's a tear in her gown.'
The Rolling Stones have never been afraid to speak their minds on politics. In 2016, they issued a statement demanding Donald Trump stop using their song 'You Can’t Always Get What You Want' at his rallies – a request he reportedly ignored. Later, Jagger publicly condemned Trump's stance on climate change, stating that the US should be leading the way in environmental control rather than moving in the opposite direction.
'Foreign Tongues' promises to be an exciting release, featuring collaborations with A-listers like Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, Bruno Mars, and Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The album will also see a cover of Amy Winehouse's 'You Know I’m No Good'. With its potentially provocative tracks set for release, fans can expect a fresh perspective on contemporary issues from one of rock's most iconic bands.