The Rolling Stones always make noise, in every way. And even more so if a new song and a mystery come together. For days Camden Town, north of Lonres, was wallpapered with the logo of a band called The Cockroaches, according to the British newspaper The Times. The image was accompanied by a QR code that led to a message: “Who The Fuck Are The Cockroaches?” The answer, according to the same newspaper and other specialized media, is clear: The Rolling Stones. And therefore Rough and Twisted, A song that at the moment has only been released on vinyl (no platforms) by the unknown group, is the new song by Sus Satánicas Majestades.
In the absence of confirmation from the group, The Times and magazines like NME They assume that the song is a preview of their new album, the 25th of their career, scheduled for next July and still untitled. It won’t be the last: there are still at least 10 songs left for one more album.
Among other indications in favor of the theory are the purely Stonian sound of the song: forceful guitars, harmonicas and, of course, the iconic voice of Mick Jagger (at 82 years old). Plus, The Cockroaches is just the alter ego which the Rolling Stones have used on a few occasions in the past for secret and surprise concerts and performances.
The new song comes in a particular context: last December the band decided to cancel its 2026 tour, without giving an official reason, although it was rumored that it was due to the refusal of legendary guitarist Keith Richards due to joint problems in his hands. The band performed for the last time in Spain on June 1, 2022. The big question is whether The Rolling Stones will ever play live again. Perhaps it is the end of the scenarios for them, which they have been experiencing since the sixties.
The Stones’ new album will be produced, like the last one, Hackney Diamonds (2023), by New Yorker Andrew Watt, who, at 35, has also worked with stars like Ozzy Osbourne and Iggy Pop. He has also produced Paul McCartney’s next album, which will appear in May.