Legendary rock band The Rolling Stones have officially shelved their anticipated plans for a major stadium tour across the United Kingdom and Europe in 2026. This decision comes despite strong signals from the band's camp that they were gearing up for a return to the road following their latest studio work.
Why the 2026 Tour Plans Were Scrapped
A source close to the iconic group has confirmed that the primary reason for calling off the tour is guitarist Keith Richards' inability to commit to the strenuous demands of an extended, multi-country tour. Richards, who celebrates his 82nd birthday this week, has reportedly struggled with the physical toll such a large-scale production would require.
While the tour was never formally announced by the band, expectations had been building steadily. The band's touring pianist, Chuck Leavell, and a spokesperson had hinted in recent UK interviews that The Rolling Stones were nearing completion of a new studio album. This album was set to be their second collaboration with producer Andrew Watt, following 2023's successful Hackney Diamonds, and was expected to be promoted with live dates throughout Britain and mainland Europe.
The Physical Challenges of Touring in Later Years
Keith Richards has been candid in recent years about managing arthritis, which he describes as "benign" but admits has necessitated adjustments to his legendary playing style on stage. Although he appeared in fine form during a brief three-song set at the Soho Sessions in New York last month, insiders note that a short performance is a world apart from the sustained rigours of a full-blown stadium tour spanning several weeks.
The Stones are no strangers to an intense touring schedule, having performed consistently almost every year since the early 2000s. However, as the core members have aged, their itineraries have become more selective. Frontman Mick Jagger is 82, and fellow guitarist Ronnie Wood is 78. The band has also undergone a significant change with the passing of founding drummer Charlie Watts in 2021. He was succeeded by Steve Jordan, a longtime Richards collaborator, who is now a fixture in their live lineup.
What This Means for Fans and the Band's Future
The cancellation will undoubtedly disappoint legions of European fans hoping for another chance to see the rock icons live. Their most recent tour, the Hackney Diamonds tour, was focused on North America and featured a lighter schedule of 20 dates over three months—a stark contrast to their globe-trotting tours of the past.
Despite this setback for live performances, the band's continued activity in the recording studio offers a silver lining. It strongly indicates that The Rolling Stones' creative drive and collaborative spirit remain very much alive. The decision to step back from a major tour underscores a pragmatic approach, acknowledging that while creating new music is still very much possible, the exhaustive life on the road is becoming increasingly challenging to sustain for the octogenarian rock legends.
