Summary
- The Rolling Stones have reportedly canceled a planned 2026 stadium tour across the UK and Europe before it was officially announced
- Reports indicate that guitarist Keith Richards, who turns 82 this week, is unable to commit to the physical rigors of the road due to a long-standing battle with arthritis
- While the tour is scrapped, the band has nearly completed a new studio album with producer Andrew Watt, signaling that they will continue to record despite the halt in live performances
The Rolling Stones have reportedly scrapped plans for their anticipated 2026 stadium tour across the United Kingdom and Europe. Sources close to the iconic rock band confirmed to Variety that the decision stems from guitarist Keith Richards’ inability to commit to the demanding schedule.
Although an official announcement was never made, both touring pianist Chuck Leavell and band spokespeople had recently indicated that a tour was imminent, coinciding with the near-completion of the band’s second album produced by Andrew Watt. However, Richards, who will turn 82 shortly, is understood to be reluctant to endure the physical strain of another extensive tour.
Richards has publicly acknowledged his long-standing struggle with arthritis, which he describes as “benign” but has necessitated changes to his guitar playing technique. The challenges he has faced during recent live dates ultimately led to the difficult decision to cancel the planned tour dates. While the completion of a new album suggests continued studio activity, the immediate future for The Rolling Stones’ large-scale live performances remains uncertain.
The Stones have been on tour almost every year since the early 2000s. Mick Jagger who is 82 and Ron Wood, age 78 are still the main members of the band.
