The Rolling Stones, one of the most iconic bands in rock history, have cancelled plans for a UK and European tour in 2026. The cause, as confirmed by spokesmen for the group and various media, is that Keith Richards has been unable to “commit” to a tour with a demanding schedule that would have spanned several months, and the group itself has acknowledged that “when they discussed it, Keith said he didn’t think he could commit and wasn’t enthusiastic about a big stadium tour of more than four months.”
The announcement has come as a bit of a shock to fans who were hoping to see Mick Jagger, Richards and Ron Wood on tour, following the huge success of their recent ‘Hackney Diamonds Tour’ in the US, which in 2024 sold close to one million tickets over 20 dates and generated around $235 million.
From the United States to Europe: a leap that won’t happen
In recent months, various indications had pointed to the Rolling Stones preparing a major tour for 2026. Pianist Chuck Leavell, a frequent collaborator with the band, had dropped hints about performances in Europe, and a spokesman had said in June that the group was “planning to hit the road in the U.K. and Europe” as they had almost finished work on a new album.
This European concert would have been the first tour of the Old Continent since 2022, when they performed in the UK with major concerts at Hyde Park and Anfield, Liverpool. However, all those plans have been put on hold by Richards’ decision.
One of the reasons noted in the media is the intense schedule that a tour of such magnitude requires, something that the guitarist has considered difficult to assume at his age. When the dates were discussed, Richards was clear. The music critic quoted by The Sun commented, “The Rolling Stones had all the big promoters coming up with lots of ideas and dates for next summer. But when they sat down to talk about touring, Keith said he didn’t think he could commit and didn’t fancy a big stadium tour for more than four months.”
Confirmation that plans have changed came from a Rolling Stones spokesperson to NME magazine, who assured that the reports of the cancellation were true. In addition, another commentary picked up in The Sun stressed that the band had previously tried to plan the tour, but “couldn’t make it work,” although they insisted that “The Stones will return to the stage when they are good and ready.”
What about the new album?
Beyond live performances, another focus of attention in recent months has been the possibility of new recording material. Rumors about the recording of a new Rolling Stones album have been circulating since the summer, gaining momentum in September when producer Andrew Watt confirmed that he had been working with the band again.
Watt, known for his work with artists such as Elton John, Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran, already collaborated with the Stones on their last album, Hackney Diamonds, released in 2023 and winner of a Grammy. Months later, Ronnie Wood stated that the album was finished: “Yes, they’ll have a new album next year. It’s done.”
This optimism added to comments from Keith Richards’ son, Marlon Richards, who also confirmed that the band had been working on new music and described it as “almost finished”.
Keith Richards’ health and its impact
The health of 82-year-old Keith Richards has been a topic of interest and concern for many fans. The guitarist himself has spoken openly about how arthritis has changed the way he plays guitar. Speaking to the BBC last year, Richards said he was not in pain, but his hands were affected: it is a “benign” form of the disease, he explained, although he added that if he could not play as he used to, he would simply find another way.
The cancellation of a Rolling Stones European tour in 2026 has an impact not only for fans, but also for the music industry. The last U.S. tour was not only a box office success, but ranked the band as the number six highest grossing tour of the year. They had toured the country with huge public support, which made an extension to the UK and Europe seem like a natural next step.
However, the three core members of the band – MickJagger (82), Keith Richards (82) and Ron Wood (78)– are at a stage in their lives when physical wear and tear and family and personal commitments weigh more heavily, and that inevitably influences decisions.
What will be left of 2026 for the Rolling Stones?
Although a European tour is ruled out for now, all is not lost. The focus has shifted to
Ronnie Wood was even hopeful about performing later on: “Yes, we hope to have some dates. Hopefully we can come back, but I don’t know yet.”
That is to say, although the format of a major stadium tour in 2026 has been ruled out for now, the band does not rule out doing some concerts or smaller shows if circumstances permit and Keith Richards himself feels ready.
For their fans, the message is clear: the Rolling Stones could return to the stage when they themselves decide to do so, but that moment has not yet arrived. The passing of the decades and the physical demands do not erase the legend, but they do force it to adapt to the vital rhythms of its protagonists.
