The Rolling Stones’ latest album, Hackney Diamonds, has ignited conversations across the music world, not just for its fresh sound and star-studded collaborations, but also for a notable absence in the lineup: Darryl Jones. For decades, Darryl Jones has been the steadfast bass guitarist for the Rolling Stones, stepping in after Bill Wyman’s departure and becoming an integral part of their live performances and studio recordings. His consistent presence on every album since Steel Wheels made his absence on Hackney Diamonds a significant point of discussion among fans. This article delves into the reasons behind Darryl Jones’s absence from the new album, exploring the perspectives of fans and shedding light on the bass duties for Hackney Diamonds.
Darryl Jones’s Consistent Role Since Bill Wyman
Since 1993, Darryl Jones has been the bassist for The Rolling Stones, filling the shoes of the legendary Bill Wyman. While not officially a full member, Jones has been a constant presence, contributing his solid basslines to every studio album from Voodoo Lounge (1994) onwards, including Bridges to Babylon, A Bigger Bang, and Blue & Lonesome. His role extended beyond studio work, anchoring the rhythm section in countless Rolling Stones concerts, earning him the respect of band members and fans alike. His professionalism and musicality have made him a crucial element in the Rolling Stones’ sound for over thirty years.
The Surprise Absence on Hackney Diamonds
Given Darryl Jones’s long-standing association with the band, it came as a surprise to many fans when album credits for Hackney Diamonds revealed he was not involved in the recording sessions. The initial reaction, as seen in online forums, was a mixture of confusion and speculation. Fans questioned why Jones, a seemingly permanent fixture, was missing from what is potentially the Rolling Stones’ final studio album of original material. The forum discussion “Darryl Jones missing on Hackney Diamonds” on iorr.org perfectly captures this sentiment, with fans expressing their surprise and seeking explanations for his absence.
Exploring the Reasons: Availability and Creative Choices
Several theories have emerged to explain Darryl Jones’s absence from Hackney Diamonds. One primary reason suggested is availability. As noted by forum user Irix, Darryl Jones may have had prior commitments that clashed with the album’s recording schedule. Session musicians like Jones often juggle multiple projects, and scheduling conflicts are a common reality in the music industry. It’s plausible that Jones was simply unavailable when The Rolling Stones convened to record Hackney Diamonds.
However, availability might not be the only factor. Creative decisions within the band likely played a significant role. Hackney Diamonds saw producer Andrew Watt taking on bass duties on several tracks. This producer-driven approach, as hinted at by forum comments, suggests a deliberate creative choice to explore different sonic textures and bass styles. Forum user Blueranger points out that “creativity is the main factor” in the studio, and bringing in different musicians can be “creatively uplifting.” This perspective suggests that the Rolling Stones, along with Andrew Watt, might have intentionally sought a different bass sound for this particular album, leading to Watt and even band members like Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood handling bass on various tracks.
Bass Duties on Hackney Diamonds: A Track-by-Track Breakdown
The bass credits for Hackney Diamonds are indeed diverse. Instead of relying solely on a session bassist, the Rolling Stones opted for a more collaborative and perhaps experimental approach to bass on this album. According to track listings compiled by forum user Irix, the bass duties are distributed as follows:
- Keith Richards: Takes on bass duties for tracks like “Angry,” “Get Close,” “Dreamy Skies,” “Tell Me Straight,” “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven,” and “Rolling Stone Blues.” This highlights Richards’s versatility and his foundational role in the Rolling Stones’ sound, extending beyond guitar to bass.
- Andrew Watt: The producer himself contributes bass on tracks including “Get Close,” “Depending On You,” “Whole Wide World,” and “Mess It Up.” Watt’s involvement in bass playing underscores his significant creative input in shaping the album’s sound.
- Paul McCartney: In a highly anticipated collaboration, Paul McCartney of The Beatles plays bass on “Bite My Head Off,” adding a legendary touch to the album.
- Bill Wyman: A nostalgic and significant moment for fans, original Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman returns to play on “Live By The Sword,” marking a reunion and a nod to the band’s history.
- Ronnie Wood: The Rolling Stones’ guitarist also contributes on bass for “Driving Me Too Hard,” further showcasing the band’s internal musical resources.
This distribution of bass duties indicates a deliberate move away from relying on a single bassist and towards exploring different sounds and collaborations. While Darryl Jones’s signature basslines are absent, Hackney Diamonds presents a diverse range of bass styles, reflecting the collaborative and creative spirit of the album.
Darryl Jones: The Touring Bassist
Despite not playing on Hackney Diamonds, Darryl Jones remains the touring bassist for the Rolling Stones. This distinction between studio and live roles is important. As forum user Blueranger aptly describes, “In concert it’s different. And Darryl is secured in the touring band.” Darryl Jones’s value to the Rolling Stones is undeniable in their live performances. His reliability, musicality, and stage presence make him essential for their touring machine. His absence on the album does not diminish his crucial role in the band’s ongoing live activities.
Forum user 24FPS touches upon a historical parallel, mentioning Bill Wyman’s feeling that the band just wanted him around to “play bass live.” While this comment might be slightly cynical, it highlights the different priorities and dynamics between studio recordings and live performances. The studio often becomes a space for experimentation and new creative input, while the live stage values consistency and established band chemistry, where Darryl Jones continues to excel.
Fan Reactions and Perspectives
The forum discussion reveals a range of fan opinions regarding Darryl Jones’s absence. Some fans, like FrogSugar, initially express surprise and concern, questioning the decision to have Andrew Watt play bass. Others, like 24FPS, offer a more critical perspective on Darryl Jones’s studio contributions over the years, suggesting that his playing might be considered less distinctive compared to Bill Wyman’s. Conversely, babyblue succinctly states, “I like. Darryl’s playing he’s good,” reflecting appreciation for Jones’s skills.
Mathijs raises a pragmatic point: with talented bass players like Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Andrew Watt readily available in the studio, “why would you need to invite Darryl to the sessions?” This perspective emphasizes the creative flexibility the Rolling Stones had during the Hackney Diamonds sessions and the potential for exploring different musical avenues. Treaclefingers even suggests that some long-term criticisms of Darryl Jones’s contributions might be validated by the outcome of Hackney Diamonds, where other bassists took the lead.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Bass in The Rolling Stones’ Sound
Darryl Jones’s absence on Hackney Diamonds marks a departure from the Rolling Stones’ studio recording norm of the past three decades. While his consistent presence has been a hallmark of their sound since the Wyman era, Hackney Diamonds showcases a willingness to experiment and diversify the bass element. Whether due to scheduling conflicts or deliberate creative choices, the album features a range of notable bass players, including band members, the producer, and even a Beatle legend.
Ultimately, Hackney Diamonds demonstrates that the Rolling Stones, even after decades in the music industry, remain open to innovation and collaboration. While Darryl Jones’s bass guitar may be missing from this particular studio album, his enduring role as the Rolling Stones’ touring bassist remains secure. Hackney Diamonds offers a fresh perspective on the band’s sound, proving their ability to evolve and surprise their audience, even when it means making unexpected changes to their established musical formula. The diverse bass approaches on Hackney Diamonds contribute to the album’s unique character within the Rolling Stones’ vast discography, sparking discussions and offering fans a new sonic landscape to explore.
