Rolling Stones Call Off 2026 Tour

A major stadium tour of the UK and Europe planned for 2026 by The Rolling Stones has been canceled, according to an insider. The move comes after guitarist Keith Richards expressed reservations about undertaking such an extensive commitment. Though never officially unveiled, plans were advanced, with touring keyboardist Chuck Leavell and a band representative having previously noted that a new album was nearly finished and a tour would likely follow.

The primary reason for shelving the tour is the health and stamina concerns of Keith Richards, who turns 82 this week. Richards, a founding member whose riff-driven style defined an era of rock, performed a short set in New York recently, but a brief club appearance is vastly different from the rigors of a months-long international stadium run. In recent years, observers have noted the impact of his arthritis, which he has managed for decades, on his live performances. A music industry source quoted by The Sun stated, "When the logistics were seriously discussed, Keith felt he couldn't commit to such a lengthy schedule and wasn't enthusiastic about a massive four-month tour." This pragmatic decision underscores the physical realities of touring at an advanced age, even for rock icons.

This hiatus represents a notable change for a group that has maintained a relentless touring pace since the 1960s, albeit with more compact schedules in recent decades. The band's last major tour was the 2024 "Hackney Diamonds" run in North America, which promoted their first album of original material in 18 years. That 2023 record was produced by Andrew Watt, a Grammy-winning producer in his 30s known for bridging generational gaps in rock. Watt, who has also worked with Ozzy Osbourne and Post Malone, is again producing the upcoming album and has been praised by both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards for revitalizing their creative process. His involvement signals the band's continued desire to innovate in the studio, even as touring plans are reassessed.

The new album itself remains on schedule for a 2025 release. A spokesperson for the band clarified that the tour cancellation is a matter of timing, not a permanent farewell, noting that similar scheduling conflicts arose earlier this year. "The Stones will return to the stage when the conditions are right for them," the representative said. This careful approach prioritizes the quality and feasibility of future performances over simply fulfilling expectations. For now, the focus shifts to their studio work, allowing the legendary group to add to their storied catalog without the immediate pressure of a global tour.