The Rolling Stones are hitting pause on touring for now.
The band opted out of a stadium tour in the U.K. and Europe, a representative for the band confirmed Thursday to USA TODAY.
Despite rumors of an upcoming album and a rich history of touring yearly, the British supergroup decided against a multi-month trek across the continent, with singer Keith Richards deciding the move wasn’t right for him.
“The Stones had promoters presenting loads of ideas and dates to them for next summer in Europe,” the band’s rep Bernard Doherty told USA TODAY via email Dec. 18. “Nothing was confirmed but 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 at this time.”
Though “it’s hard for their fans,” Doherty said, “The Stones will get back onstage when they’re good and ready.”
In 2024, The Stones set out on an ambitious stadium tour to promote their 2023 album “Hackney Diamonds.” With 16 stops in the U.S., and sponsored by AARP, the tour proved that, despite their ages, The Stones were prepared to serve up the same energetic rock performances they’ve been known for.
The Stones – Mick Jagger, 82, Richards, 82, and Ronnie Wood, 78 – will face heightened expectations for a new record in the wake of “Hackney Diamonds,” their first new album since 2005.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart, making them the first act with a top 10 album each decade since the 1960s. “Hackney Diamonds” was also the Stones’ first album since drummer Charlie Watts died in 2021.
Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY
