The Rolling Stones may not have time on their side these days, but they have time on their hands just like everybody else. Thankfully, they’re doing more with it than tending to sourdough starters. Just days after their playfully triumphant performance of You Can’t Always Get What You Want for the One World: Together At Home concert, the World’s Greatest Rock ’n’ Roll Band have released the single Living In A Ghost Town, their first new song in eight years. It’s a slow-burning number that walks a line between reggae, funk and blues — plus a few echoes of The Specials’ Ghost Town for good measure — all set to lyrics about living in lockdown and hours lost staring at your phone. Fittingly, it was completed in isolation by the various members in L.A. and London. “The Stones were in the studio recording some new material before the lockdown and there was one song we thought would resonate through the times that we’re living in right now,” explains Mick Jagger, who plays guitar and harmonica on the track along with his vocal. Adds guitarist Keith Richards: “We cut this track well over a year ago in L.A. for part of a new album, an ongoing thing, and then shit hit the fan Mick and I decided this one really needed to go to work right now and so here you have it.” Along with the four Stones, the tune features longtime bassist Darryl Jones and keyboard/horn player Matt Clifford. Says drummer Charlie Watts: “I enjoyed working on this track. I think it captures a mood and I hope people who listen to it will agree.” Finally, guitarist Ronnie Wood says: “Thanks so much for all your messages these past few weeks, it means so much to us that you enjoy the music. So we have a brand new track for you, we hope you enjoy it. It has a haunting melody.” Check it out above, and watch the band’s One World performance below.
Check Out The Rolling Stones’ Great New Song Living In A Ghost Town
The haunting single is the band's first new number in eight years.
