The Rolling Stones new album 'Blue and Lonesome' goes back to roots
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Rolling Stones is about to release its first album in more than 10 years, and this time, they're back with a collection of covers.
More than a decade has passed since the Stones released the studio album "A Bigger Bang, and they say "Blue and Lonesome" came together quickly and represents a journey back to where the band began.
"It was the sort of album that made itself, and suddenly we were there doing it," guitarist Keith Richards said. "It wasn't planned, in other words. Somehow, the blues took us over, and we went with it, you know?"
A new exhibit in the Meatpacking District features the first guitar Richards ever owned.
"It was a special baby for me," he said.
Nearby is a recreation of the London apartment Richards shared with frontman Mick Jagger.
"I think they got it right," Jagger said. "I mean, the dimensions and all that we had, and the house still exists. The room still exists. I sat on the bed yesterday, and it felt just right."
And what are the memories of that room?
"Learning, that was an academy of learning," Richards said. "That's what we used to do, sit around and listen and try and figure out how to put a band together. How to make it work."
And after more than 50 years together, it's meaningful to continue the journey together.
"It's a very pleasing feeling to be a pioneer in this rock and roll band that's still playing the blues," guitarist Ron Wood said. "It started off as a blues band, so nobody was playing electric blues in England at the time. We just thought everybody should hear it...And that's how it started. It was a matter of love, really."
And that love affair between the band and the blues has lasted for more than half a century.
"Blue and Lonesome" goes on sale Friday, and the show of Rolling Stones memorabilia called "Exhibitionism" is up until the middle of March.
WATCH: Sandy Kenyon's extended interviews with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood on the "Exhibitionism" red carpet
