The Rolling Stones Announce Surprising Holiday Collaboration with Motionless in White for New Christmas EP
In an unexpected turn that’s set to shake up the holiday music scene, The Rolling Stones, legendary British rock band, have announced they’re dropping a brand-new Christmas EP featuring collaborations with American gothic rock band Motionless in White. Blending rock ‘n’ roll classics with a darker, modern twist, the Stones’ holiday release is generating buzz across genres, marking the band’s first foray into festive music in their six-decade career.
Set to release just in time for the holiday season, the EP, titled A Very Stone-y Christmas, promises a mix of reimagined holiday classics, fresh originals, and a dose of the signature style both bands bring to the table. Here’s everything we know about this bold holiday album collaboration that combines the world of iconic rock with modern metal.
A Holiday Surprise for Stones and Motionless Fans Alike
Fans of The Rolling Stones have enjoyed six decades of the band’s groundbreaking music. With chart-topping singles and genre-defining albums, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the band are known for breaking boundaries, and this time they’re taking their musical prowess into an entirely new direction. While they have dabbled in various genres and collaborations over the years, a Christmas release has never been part of their extensive discography—until now.
On the other side, Motionless in White has made a name for itself in the metalcore and gothic rock scenes with an aesthetic and sound that blends dark themes with aggressive instrumentals and Chris Motionless’ haunting vocals. For the past decade, they’ve stood out with their visually intense music videos, theatrical performances, and heavy yet melodic sound, often drawing comparisons to groups like Marilyn Manson and Slipknot.
Speaking on the collaboration, Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards shared, “Christmas music doesn’t have to be all ‘jingle bells and happy holidays.’ There’s room for a bit of darkness, a bit of mischief. When we thought about who could bring something really unique to this project, Motionless in White was the first band to come to mind. They bring an edge that’s different from ours, but I think that’s what makes this so exciting.”
Chris Motionless, frontman of Motionless in White, was equally enthusiastic, describing the experience of working with The Rolling Stones as “surreal.” He added, “To be collaborating with a band that’s not just legendary but is also open to pushing the boundaries of what people expect from rock is amazing. This EP is something completely different from what both of our fanbases might anticipate, but I think it’s going to resonate with everyone who’s open to a new kind of Christmas music.”
Tracklist and Sneak Peek
The EP, A Very Stone-y Christmas, reportedly consists of five tracks that blend classic holiday tunes with reimagined arrangements and two original songs. The tracklist, which has been partially revealed, includes:
1. “Silent Night, Dark Night” – A haunting take on the classic “Silent Night” with a gloomy twist. The track opens with atmospheric guitar riffs from Richards, complemented by Chris Motionless’ ghostly vocals that slowly build to a gritty, powerful climax.
2. “Tidings of Chaos” – An original holiday track where Jagger and Motionless swap verses, with lyrics that capture the holiday spirit in a darker, more chaotic light. According to Richards, this song has a “driving beat and a vibe that feels like you’re barreling down a snowy highway at night.”
3. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”– A high-energy rendition of the Brenda Lee classic, infused with heavy guitar, powerful drums, and a hint of gothic darkness from Motionless in White’s signature style. Fans of both bands will find it a fresh yet nostalgic twist.
4. “Mistletoe & Madness”– A brand-new original duet between Jagger and Chris Motionless that speaks to the ups and downs of holiday relationships, especially for those who see the season as both joyful and complicated.
5. “December’s Children” – Inspired by the Stones’ 1965 album title, this original track closes the EP. The song features a mix of blues, classic rock, and gothic metal, bringing the collaboration to a thrilling and emotional end.
Recording the Album: A True Meeting of Generations
The project, recorded over several weeks in both Los Angeles and London, brought the two bands together in a way that was creatively invigorating for both. The Stones brought their seasoned expertise, while Motionless in White added a modern edge, creating an environment that allowed both groups to experiment and stretch their musical boundaries.
In a recent interview, Jagger shared, “The guys from Motionless were incredible to work with—they know exactly who they are and what they want to say. Seeing that kind of conviction in a younger band reminded us of our own early days. There was this mutual respect in the studio, and it led to some great stuff. I think fans will hear that energy in every track.”
Chris Motionless echoed this sentiment, mentioning that working with the Stones gave them “a huge sense of responsibility” to bring their best to the table. “It’s not every day that a band like ours gets to work with legends like The Rolling Stones. We wanted to honor their legacy while bringing our own twist to the music. It’s been an experience we’ll carry with us forever,” he said.
A Unique Holiday Release in an Evolving Rock Landscape
As music continues to evolve, the Stones and Motionless in White are proof that rock is not just alive, but thriving in new and exciting forms. This holiday EP demonstrates how the genre can be as diverse as the artists willing to push it into new territory. By pairing two seemingly opposite ends of the rock spectrum, this collaboration underscores the timeless nature of rock music and its ability to bring together generations.
The collaboration has already sparked enthusiasm and curiosity across social media, with fans eagerly awaiting a preview of what promises to be a wholly unique Christmas listening experience. Rolling Stones and Motionless in White followers alike are excited about the boundary-breaking sound this unexpected pairing might bring.
The Future of Rock Collaborations
A Very Stone-y Christmas serves as a testament to the creative power that collaboration can bring to the music industry. By merging different styles and generational influences, The Rolling Stones and Motionless in White are offering listeners a holiday album that challenges conventions, blending the cozy familiarity of holiday music with a fresh, edgy twist.
As we count down to the release, one thing is certain: This holiday season will be one to remember, with both hardcore rock fans and Christmas music lovers likely to find something to enjoy in *A Very Stone-y Christmas*. It’s a bold, unorthodox choice for the Stones and Motionless, but as history has shown, some of the best music often comes from the most unexpected partnerships.
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