The Rolling Stones have received the BRIT Billion Award.
The British rockers – whose latest record, ‘Hackney Diamonds’, became their 14th number one album last week – were given the accolade to mark one billion career streams in the UK, as recorded by the Official Charts Company.
The band – who are made up of Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood – have become the “longest-active artist” to receive the prize, according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Dr. Jo Twist OBE, BPI Chief Executive, said: “Few artists have crossed generational divides in quite the way the Rolling Stones have.
“Their iconic songs and albums are era-defining, but the band remain as contemporary as ever.
“The BPI is thrilled to honour them with a BRIT Billion Award, which underscores both the timeless appeal of their music and the extent to which they are now also connecting with a new wave of fans thanks to streaming.”
The BRIT Billion Award was officially launched in May 2023, and The Rolling Stones have become the 25th artist to receive the honour, following the likes of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, as well as pop stars Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ellie Goulding, Lewis Capaldi and RAYE.
Earlier this month, Ed Sheeran became the first British artist to receive a special-edition Gold BRIT Billion Award for exceeding 10 billion streams in the UK.
He said at the time: “It’s wonderful to receive the first-ever BRIT Billion Award in the UK for 10 billion streams.
“I want to say a big thank you to my fans. None of this is possible without you guys.”
Jo said: “We congratulate Ed Sheeran and his team on this landmark achievement.
“Ed may represent the pinnacle of streaming success, but he is also among the thousands of artists who are being streamed in the tens and hundreds of millions in the UK each year and who are thriving thanks to streaming and label support.
“We look forward to honouring many more artists, including future talent, with a BRIT Billion award.”