Rolling Stones producer Andrew Watt’s ability to coax the best out of legends explained: “He’s not afraid of being the bad guy”
He might be a generation or two younger, but super producer Andrew Watt isn’t afraid to keep some of the legendary artists he works with in line…
Recently, Keith Richards lauded Watt’s no-nonsense approach when it came to the Rolling Stones two most recent albums, Hackney Diamonds (2023) and Foreign Tongues (2026). “[He’s] a breath of fresh air and a kick up the ass,” the guitarist said. “He knows his stuff musically and technically, and he doesn’t put up with any bullshit – he just gets on with it.”
And even Paul McCartney discovered Watt could be a bit “pushy” during the making of his latest solo album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane.
“I came away from the first session thinking, ‘Well, I like him, but he’s a bit pushy,” McCartney said. “But pushy’s not a bad thing in a producer. It’s just enthusiasm from someone who wants to keep making this record. It’s infectious.”
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And according to Canadian producer and songwriter Henry Walter – known professionally as Cirkut, and with whom Watt has worked on numerous occasions, including on hits for Lady Gaga – Watt isn’t afraid of being the “bad guy” when it comes to songwriting and production.
“He’s not afraid to speak up in the uncomfortable situation where you don’t want to tell Lady Gaga, ‘Hey, you should try this way instead of that way,’” Walter tells the Washington Post in a new interview. “He’s not afraid of being the bad guy.”
At just 35 years old, Andrew Watt’s CV is about as stacked as they come, having worked with rock legends including Ozzy Obsourne, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Pearl Jam, as well as some of the world’s leading popular artists like Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and Post Malone.
And even as the Rolling Stones released their 25th studio album Foreign Tongues just days ago, Keith Richards says Andrew Watt might already be eyeing up his third Stones collaboration.
“I’m very glad that we met Andrew when we did because he knows so much about The Stones that I’ve forgotten,” says the 82-year-old musician of Watt’s professional energy. “And his enthusiasm for it, you can’t beat it, it’s great fun to work with.”
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