The Rolling Stones at Racket NYC

The Rolling Stones performed a secret invitation-only concert at Racket NYC to celebrate the next day’s release of the band’s new album, Hackney Diamonds, the band’s first album of all-new material in 18 years. An all A-list event, attendees included Jimmy Fallon, Trevor Noah, Daniel Craig, Mary Kate Olsen, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Chris Rock, Taylor Hill, Rachel Weisz, Christie Brinkley, Ed Burns, Keegan-Michael Key, Minka Kelly, Christy Turlington, Andrew Watt and more. 

Rumors of the concert began circulating earlier in the week. The rumors at the time said that the Rolling Stones had been rehearsing nine songs, of which seven were new and two were old. A rumor circulated that former Stones bassist, Bill Wyman, who plays on the new album, was flying into New York City for the concert, even though he has not been on an airplane in years.

The Racket NYC marquee (photograph by Everynight Charley Crespo)

More than 100 fans gathered outside the venue hoping for an opportunity to see the concert. Fans began gathering on a standby line to the left of the venue as early as 9:30 a.m. Reports were squashed by witnesses that 100 wristbands were distributed at a pop up event at 7:30 p.m.; the witnesses attested that only 37 wristbands were awarded to fans who waited all day at the pop up.

Superfans who have traveled all over the world to see the Rolling Stones in concert had no access to invitations. Reportedly, Doug Potach who started the Shidoobee fan page, also did not receive invitations. Many of these fans were on the sidewalk outside Racket hoping for a miracle.

Near the entrance to Racket, a sign showed that this was to be a phone-free show. Invitees were asked to place their cell phones into a pouch that would be locked. The pouches were given back to the phone's owners with instructions that the pouch would be unlocked upon exit.

The Rolling Stones at Racket NYC

Racket's doors opened at 8 p.m., with DJ Questlove spinning. The Rolling Stones came on stage about 10 p.m. and performed four songs from the new album and three old songs -- “Shattered,” “Angry,” “Whole Wide World,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Bite My Head Off,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Sweet Sounds of Heaven.” Lady Gaga joined the band on stage to perform the final song.

All photographs by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images, except where noted.

Setlist 

1. Shattered
2. Angry (live debut)
3. Whole Wide World (live debut)
4. Tumbling Dice
5. Bite My Head Off (live debut)
6. Jumpin' Jack Flash

Encore

1. Sweet Sounds of Heaven (with Lady Gaga) (live debut)

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The Manhattan Beat reports on New York City's live music circuit. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise.

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