The Pop Corporation

The Rolling Stones seem to be up to something. After the wild success of Paul McCartney’s viral campaign for McCartney III where he left clues all over the place about an imminent LP, it seems the Stones are at it now.

An advert appeared in a local newspaper for a glass repair shop. The clues within weren’t exactly subtle, but we don’t love Mick & Keef for their subtleties do we? For the record, reps have been contacted and everyone is tittering behind their hands and keeping schtum.

Shall we have a look at this advert then?

Apart from the dead giveaway of the lyrics, it also notes that the store was opened in ’62, just like the Stones themselves. Also, the website hackneydiamonds.com is live, and at the foot of it, you’ll see Universal Music, and guess who is signed to Universal?

So, if you’re a big Stones head, you’re allowed to get excited because this will be the first LP from the group since ‘A Bigger Bang’ (yes, there was ‘Blue & Lonesome’ more recently, but that’s a covers album, so kinda doesn’t count). Of course, it’ll be the first without Charlie Watts or, at least, will feature some of the great man’s last recorded work.

You’re wondering what happens when you ring that number? A greeting from some Cockney sort says: “Welcome to Hackney Diamonds, specialists in glass repair – don’t get angry, get it fixed.”

And what’s Mare Street? Well, there’s a big ol’ market there and it’s yards from Hackney Empire, so maybe a gig? Either way, looks like an album in September, so let’s hope it’s half decent!