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The Rolling Stones equal The Beatles with 15th UK Number One album
The Rolling Stones have reached a historic milestone by matching The Beatles' record of 15 UK Number One albums. Their latest release, 'Foreign Tongues', entered the Official Albums Chart at the top spot in July 2026, maintaining the momentum from their previous chart-topper 'Hackney Diamonds'. While this achievement places the Stones in elite company alongside the Fab Four, Robbie Williams currently holds the all-time record with 16 Number Ones, followed by Taylor Swift with 14.
The album showcases an impressive array of guest contributions, with Paul McCartney appearing on bass, The Cure's Robert Smith on guitar, and recordings featuring late drummer Charlie Watts. The band has signalled active plans to tour the record and indicated they are already writing potential follow-up material, suggesting the recent creative renaissance that produced both 'Hackney Diamonds' and 'Foreign Tongues' remains ongoing.
In short
- The Rolling Stones' album 'Foreign Tongues' debuted at UK #1, giving them 15 chart-toppers and equal footing with The Beatles
- The record features collaborations with Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, and others; the band plans to tour and continue writing new material
Explained simply
The Rolling Stones and The Beatles are two of the most important rock bands in history. The Beatles split up in 1970 and are widely regarded as the most influential band ever. The Rolling Stones formed in the early 1960s and have continued making records and touring for over six decades.
A UK Number One album means that album sold more copies than any other in Britain during that week, according to the chart that officially tracks music sales. Reaching the top of this chart is a notable achievement and becomes more impressive when done repeatedly, as even the world's most famous artists struggle to maintain this success consistently. The chart has tracked music sales since the 1950s, allowing comparisons of how successful different artists have been across many decades.
The Beatles achieved 15 UK Number One albums, which became a benchmark of major success in British popular music. This milestone represents not just brief popularity but sustained commercial success throughout a long career.