Jagger Inks With Virgin For November Solo Set

NY (Billboard) - Mick Jagger's first solo record in eight years has found a home at Virgin Records, the label confirms. Although a title has yet to be announced for the follow-up to 1993's "Wandering Spirit," a November release date is promised. The Rolling Stones frontman has spent the bulk of the year working on the project in New York and London with a variety of collaborators, including U2 frontman Bono, Lenny Kravitz, the Who's Pete Townshend, and matchbox twenty vocalist Rob Thomas.

The set, Jagger's fourth solo album, will be his first under a new deal with Virgin, also home to the Stones. Of the agreement, Nancy Berry, Vice Chairman of Virgin Music Group worldwide, said, "We could not be more thrilled that Mick has chosen Virgin. He is a legend whose timelessness is only furthered by his creativity, focus, and drive. We look forward to this partnership with Mick with the goal of making this new album his greatest solo success yet."

"It's a fun record," Jagger told commentators at a U.K. cricket match earlier this month. The vocalist also said that the Stones will release a new album in 2002, with a tour likely to follow.

"Wandering Spirit" (Atlantic) peaked at No. 11 on The Billboard 200 and featured the single "Sweet Thing," which hit No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100. Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Living Colour bassist Doug Wimbish, and longtime Stones collaborator Billy Preston were among the guests on the Rick Rubin-produced album, which has sold 416,000 copies in the U.S.