Key Highlights
- The Rolling Stones have called off their 2026 stadium tour of the United Kingdom and Europe.
- Guitarist Keith Richards is unable to commit due to arthritis challenges despite recent performances.
- The band has nearly completed a new album with producer Andrew Watt.
- Previous tours by The Stones in recent years have shown Richards facing health issues that make touring difficult.
The Rolling Stones Call Off 2026 Tour Amid Health Concerns
In a surprising turn of events, the legendary British rock band, The Rolling Stones, announced on December 16, 2025, that they have called off their planned 2026 stadium tour across the United Kingdom and Europe. The decision comes after guitarist Keith Richards, who turns 82 this week, was unable to commit to what would be a four-month-long journey.
Despite recent performances that seemed to indicate otherwise, the band’s touring pianist Chuck Leavell and a spokesperson revealed to press in the U.K. that The Stones were close to completing their new album with 35-year-old producer Andrew Watt. Jerry Seinfeld once famously said about Ron Wood, “He’s one of those guys who really helps us out on stage, you know?” This sentiment echoes the band’s current situation where Richards’ health issues are making it difficult for him to fully commit.
Health Challenges and Past Tours
The band has toured nearly every year since the early 2000s, albeit in increasingly small itineraries as Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, and Richards have grown older. The passing of original drummer Charlie Watts in 2021 paved the way for longtime collaborator Steve Jordan to join the lineup.
Live dates over recent years have shown that Keith has faced challenges due to a long battle with arthritis, which he has called “benign” but has forced him to change his style of playing. The band’s most recent tour was the “Hackney Diamonds” jaunt, named after their 2023 album, which spanned 20 North American dates across three months.
Future Plans and Legacy
“When they properly sat down to discuss the tour, Keith said he didn’t think he could commit and wasn’t keen on a big stadium tour for over four months,” an unnamed “American music critic” reportedly told British tabloid The Sun. An unnamed spokesperson added that the band were looking to tour earlier this year but couldn’t make it work either. They stated, “The band will get back onstage when they’re good and ready.”
Despite the cancellation, The Rolling Stones are on track to release a new album next year with producer Andrew Watt, who has worked closely with Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, and Pearl Jam.
Jagger told Variety last year, “I knew that Andy and I could work together as soon as we met. He has such infectious enthusiasm and a great work ethic, plus he’s a great musician too. We immediately clicked and made what I thought was going to be a tough job into a fun and easy one.” Richards added, “Andrew has a contagious vitality about him coupled with an unrelenting enthusiasm, which is one of the great qualities of a producer.
Also, he was great fun to work with, another great quality!”
For now, fans will have to wait until The Stones are ready to return to the stage. In the meantime, they can enjoy their latest album and anticipate future releases from the band that has been a cornerstone of rock music for over five decades.
