"Bill Wyman Back with Rolling Stones, Critiques New Track Density"

# The Rolling Stones’ “Hackney Diamonds” Album: Collaborations, Controversy and Reflections by Bill Wyman

The Rolling Stones recently released their first album of new material in 18 years, “Hackney Diamonds,” featuring several stand-in bassists filling in for the absent Darryl Jones. Let’s explore the collaborations, controversy, and reflections sparked by this highly-anticipated album from the rock legends.

## The Collaborations

Aside from long-time Stones guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, the album’s producer, Andrew Watt, made significant contributions to the album, playing the bass in the absence of Jones. As an interesting twist, former Stones bassist Bill Wyman also lent his skills to the project.

Wyman’s appearance in “Live by the Sword,” one of the key tracks on “Hackney Diamonds,” was especially poignant,as the song also features the late drummer Charlie Watts, who passed away in 2021.

## Words of Controversy

In a recent interview with Louder, Wyman confessed that he wasn’t entirely thrilled upon hearing “Live by the Sword” for the first time. He critiqued the song’s arrangement, expressing his reservations about the overcrowded guitar parts, which left little room for his bass contributions.

However, the controversy didn’t stop there, as Wyman revealed that he actually worked on a second song, which has yet to be released. With his knack for storytelling, Wyman also shared an anecdote from his early days, recalling the creation of his first bass, a proto-fretless model of sorts.

## Wyman’s Reflections

Wyman reminisced about his foray into luthiery, describing how he hand-crafted his own bass, evoking the early influences of Gibson and Fender bass guitars used by rock ‘n’ roll icons like Little Richard and Fats Domino. Despite the primitive nature of his creation, it ended up shaping his distinctive sound and style.

The Rolling Stones’ “Hackney Diamonds” has undoubtedly sparked a range of reactions, from collaborative highs to retrospective musings. With the band’s legacy and groundbreaking contributions to rock history, every move they make continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.

For the latest news, interviews, lessons, reviews, and deals, stay connected with Guitar World magazine. Watch the lyric video for “The Rolling Stones – Live By The Sword Feat. Elton John” on YouTube for a deeper look into the album’s standout tracks.

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