The Rolling Stones have surprised fans by releasing a gritty new single titled 'Rough & Twisted' under their long-dormant pseudonym, The Cockroaches. The track, available exclusively on limited-edition vinyl, has sparked excitement among collectors and enthusiasts who have been sharing distorted rips online, with one fan describing it as "so killer."
This release follows weeks of cryptic teasers that hinted at new activity from the legendary rock band. Mysterious posters bearing the name 'The Cockroaches' recently appeared around London, accompanied by QR codes that directed curious onlookers to a website registered to the Stones' label, Universal Music. The band previously used this alias during their early years, adding to the intrigue surrounding the campaign.
Last week, an Instagram account named 'thecockroaches2026' posted a teaser video captioned "64 & Counting"—a clear nod to the six decades since the group's formation. The clip featured an unidentified individual in a "Who The Fuck Are The Cockroaches?" T-shirt playing a white-label 12-inch record. The audio preview revealed a raw, blues-infused guitar riff, cutting off just as Mick Jagger's unmistakable voice commands, "Do it!"
Now, the full track has emerged after the vinyl edition went on sale last Saturday, April 11. Limited to just 1,000 numbered copies at independent record stores worldwide, the physical release sold out almost immediately, leaving many fans scrambling to hear the song through online uploads.
"The track opens with a dirty blues electric guitar riff, and it cuts off just as the unmistakable sound of Jagger’s voice says: 'Do it!'"
This vinyl-only strategy marks a nostalgic return to physical media for the Stones, who continue to innovate while honoring their roots. As the band approaches their 64th anniversary, 'Rough & Twisted' serves as a testament to their enduring influence and ability to captivate audiences with unexpected releases.