A mysterious new band known as The Cockroaches has appeared in record stores across the globe, sparking widespread speculation that the Rolling Stones are behind the campaign, according to latercera.com.
The campaign began in London's Camden Town, where posters featuring a QR code appeared with the provocative question, “Who the fuck are The Cockroaches?” The phrase serves as an inside joke, referencing a famous 1970s Keith Richards t-shirt that read, “Who the fuck is Mick Jagger?”
Following the initial posters, the campaign expanded to include branded clothing and a series of Google Maps coordinates. These coordinates led fans to 37 independent record stores in various cities, where a limited-edition vinyl was made available.
According to the report from latercera.com, the release is extremely rare, consisting of only 1,000 numbered copies worldwide. The record, titled 'Rough and twisted,' is a single-sided 'white label' pressing containing only one four-and-a-half-minute track.
A callback to 1977
Listeners who obtained the vinyl noted that the music features the signature gritty textures and Mick Jagger's unmistakable vocals. The release arrives as a potential follow-up to the band's 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds.
Clues within the campaign suggest the move is a deliberate nod to the band's history. A WhatsApp number linked to the marketing strategy features a status message stating, “Back after 49 years.”
This refers to a May 1977 incident in Toronto, where the Rolling Stones performed a surprise set at the El Mocambo club under the pseudonym The Cockroaches. At the time, the posters advertised the Stones as an unknown opening act for the band April Wine, according to latercera.com.
That 1977 performance was kept secret to avoid massive crowds, with entry managed through a radio contest. While the current campaign remains centered on physical vinyl and cryptic posters, industry insiders are theorizing about a potential upcoming tour or residency.
