Keith Richards Called 'Hackney Diamonds' a 'Good Way to Go Out' – What Did He Actually Mean?

In a September 2023 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Keith Richards described the Rolling Stones’ first album of new material in 18 years, Hackney Diamonds, as “a good way to go out.” The quote immediately set off alarm bells among fans: was this the final studio album from the world’s greatest rock ’n’ roll band?

Richards was careful not to say the band was done. He framed the comment as a reflection on how satisfying the album turned out, not as a formal retirement announcement. “If we never do another one,” he added, “it’s a good way to go out.” The emphasis was on “if” — and in true Stones fashion, the door was left open.

Since then, the band has continued touring and hasn’t ruled out future recordings. In later interviews, Richards clarified he was just acknowledging the album’s quality, not signaling the end. So while Hackney Diamonds might be the last new studio album, it’s far from a definitive statement. With the Rolling Stones, you never really know.