Rolling Stones scrap 2026 UK, Europe tour | The Express Tribune

The Rolling Stones have called off plans for a 2026 stadium tour of the United Kingdom and Europe, according to a source close to the band, ending months of speculation about the legendary rock group’s next major live outing.

Although the tour was never formally announced, it had been widely anticipated following comments earlier this year from touring pianist Chuck Leavell and a band spokesperson, both of whom suggested that the group were preparing to return to the road while simultaneously working on a new studio album.

Fans and industry observers had expected an official announcement later this year, making the cancellation a disappointment for many who hoped to see the band perform again in Europe.

The planned tour was expected to coincide with the release of the group’s next album, which would be their second collaboration with producer Andrew Watt. The record is reportedly nearing completion and is expected to be released next year. Watt also produced Hackney Diamonds, the band’s 2023 album, which was widely praised and marked a creative resurgence for the group.

However, the decision to abandon the tour appears to centre on guitarist Keith Richards, who turns 82 this week and is said to be unable to commit to the physical demands of a lengthy, multi-country stadium tour. According to sources, concerns were raised during internal discussions about the toll such a schedule would take, particularly given the scale and duration of the proposed dates.

Richards has previously spoken openly about managing arthritis, which he has described as “benign”, while acknowledging that it has required adjustments to his playing style over the years. An unnamed music critic was quoted as saying, “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.”

A spokesperson for the band confirmed that touring plans had been under consideration but were ultimately shelved. “The band were looking to tour earlier this year but couldn’t make it work either,” the spokesperson said. “It’s hard for their fans, but The Stones will get back onstage when they’re good and ready.”

Richards recently appeared in good form during a brief three-song performance at the Soho Sessions in New York, reassuring fans about his health. However, that appearance was far removed from the intense physical demands of a full-scale stadium tour involving frequent travel, long performances and minimal recovery time between shows.

The Rolling Stones have toured regularly since the early 2000s, though their schedules have gradually been scaled back as band members have aged. Their most recent major run of shows was the Hackney Diamonds tour, which featured 20 North American dates spread across three months and was seen as a more measured approach to touring. The band has increasingly opted for shorter, regionally focused tours rather than extended global runs.

The group has also undergone changes in recent years. Original drummer Charlie Watts died in 2021, marking a significant moment in the band’s history. He was replaced by Steve Jordan, who has since toured and recorded with the group and was warmly received by fans.

Despite the cancelled tour, expectations remain high for the upcoming album. Mick Jagger has previously praised Andrew Watt’s influence on the band, saying, “He has such infectious enthusiasm and a great work ethic.” Richards echoed those sentiments, adding, “Andrew has a contagious vitality about him coupled with an unrelenting enthusiasm.”

While the absence of a 2026 tour will disappoint fans in the UK and Europe, the band’s continued commitment to recording new music suggests that The Rolling Stones are not yet ready to bring their career to a close. For now, attention turns to the forthcoming album and the possibility of more selective live appearances in the future.