Rolling Stones Scrap 2026 UK and Europe Tour Plans
The Rolling Stones have decided not to pursue a stadium tour across the United Kingdom and Europe in 2026, a source close to the band confirms to Variety. The decision follows speculation that guitarist Keith Richards was unable to commit to another extensive run on the road.
Although an official announcement never materialized, touring pianist Chuck Leavell and a band spokesperson recently indicated to UK press that the group is near completion on a new album—which would be their second collaboration with 35-year producer Andrew Watt—and that a UK/European tour had been in the works. Yet Richards, who turns 82 this week, reportedly could not commit to a four-plus month schedule or to the rigors of a large-scale tour live on the road. In recent years, his battles with arthritis have become more pronounced, leading him to adjust his playing style, something he has described as a “benign” condition.
Richards did appear in good form during a brief three-song set at the Soho Sessions in New York last month. Still, a short club appearance is a far cry from a comprehensive, multi-country, multi-week tour.
An American music critic allegedly told The Sun that, when the band sat down to discuss the tour, Keith expressed reservations about committing to a stadium trek of such length. The Sun quoted an unnamed spokesperson as saying the band had hoped to tour earlier in the year but scheduling didn’t work out. The spokesperson added that while fans may be disappointed, The Stones will return to the stage when they’re genuinely ready.
Historically, the Stones have toured almost every year since the early 2000s, albeit with shorter itineraries as Mick Jagger (82), Ron Wood (78), and Richards have aged. Original drummer Charlie Watts passed away in 2021 and was succeeded by Steve Jordan, a longtime collaborator with Richards. The band’s most recent outing, the Hackney Diamonds tour, mapped 20 North American shows over about three months.
Meanwhile, work on new material appears to be progressing. Watt—who has collaborated with a wide roster including Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, and Pearl Jam—helped bring Hackney Diamonds to completion in 2023, their first full album of new material in about 15 years.
Jagger spoke to Variety last year about his chemistry with Watt, saying, “I knew that Andy and I could work well together from the moment we met. He brings infectious energy and a strong work ethic, and he’s an excellent musician as well. We clicked and turned what could have been a difficult project into something enjoyable and straightforward.” Richards echoed that sentiment, praising Watt’s vitality and enthusiasm as crucial to the collaboration and noting he had a lot of fun working with him.
This development suggests a future release may be imminent, even as live touring plans remain on pause for now.The Stones seem poised to re-enter the studio and the spotlight at a pace that fits the band’s seasoned perspective—and perhaps with a renewed sense of strategy around how and when they tour next.
