Chanel Haynes discussed how she managed to stay focused as the most-featured backing singer in the Rolling Stones’ history – with help from Keith Richards’ favorite meal.
She made two guest appearances with the band before being invited to be part of their North American Hackney Diamonds tour, which ran from April 28 to July 21.
During each performance she delivered Lady Gaga’s part in the Hackney Diamonds song “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” and also joined Mick Jagger on the catwalk for “Gimme Shelter” – the first time a supporting vocalist has had two leading moments.
Asked about the opening night of the tour in Houston, Haynes told Rolling Stone: “It felt like a party with my friends… everyone came together so that I could feel included. I’ve never felt disconnected from the band. Obviously, I’m the only girl, so there’s this awesome extra layer of sort of protection. They’re like, ‘Are you okay; [do] you need anything?’”She added: “You can imagine the Rolling Stone fans. I’ve been singing my whole life, and I’ve had my own fans, but dude, this is otherworldly. And so sometimes when it was a little bit too much for me to process or handle…I’d have what I call my red room parties.And whoever was also sort of in the same mood, it was like, ‘Let’s just hang back.’ My room is always red. I always travel with red light bulbs, and we’ll just have snacks, drink wine, hang out, and listen to music. It has just really been a blessing.”
