LONDON: Rolling Stones fans are trying to get copies of a local London newspaper after the group placed a spoof advert apparently teasing their long-awaited new album.

Hackney Gazette senior editor Simon Murfitt said he had been unaware of the ad for the Hackney Diamonds glass repair firm until readers started to write in asking for souvenir copies.

“It’s very exciting to have such a massive band announcing their new album in our papers, especially in such a cryptic manner,” he added.

“I have already had several emails requesting back copies and no doubt the papers will become collectors’ items for music fans.” The cryptic ad, which also appeared in sister title the Islington Gazette, references several of the band’s best-known songs including (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Gimme Shelter and Shattered.

Hackney Diamonds is believed to be the title of the Stones’ new album — the first since drummer Charlie Watts’ death — which is reportedly due out in September.

Hackney Diamonds is English slang for the shards of glass left scattered on the ground after smash-and-grab robberies.

The ad went on: “Open­ing our new store on Mare Street, Septem­ber 2023. Our friendly team promises you satisfaction when you say gimme shelter we’ll fix your shattered windows.” Clues that the ad was not for a bona fide east London glass repair business included a miniature version of the band’s famed lips logo to dot the letter i.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2023