The Rolling Stones’ plans to tour Europe in 2026 have been cancelled, magazines have confirmed. Variety and the American edition of Rolling Stone. A source close to these media assures that after learning of the worsening of the arthritis that Keith Richards has been suffering from for years, the guitarist cannot “commit” to a tour of that level. Recently and unofficially, pianist Chuck Leavell and a spokesperson announced to the British press that a new album by the group was almost finished and that they were planning a stadium tour in Europe.
Richards, who just turned 82, has performed at small events such as Soho Sessions in New York a month ago. Arthritis, as the musician himself has said, has forced him to change the way he plays the guitar.
“When they sat down to talk about the tour, Keith said he didn’t think he could commit and didn’t fancy a tour in stadiums for more than four months,” an anonymous American music critic has declared to the tabloid media. The Sun. Another anonymous source added: “The band was looking to go on tour earlier this year, but that didn’t happen either. It’s difficult for their fans, but the Stones will return to the stage when they are ready.”
The British band has remained on stage with practically uninterrupted annual tours since the beginning of 2000, but with modifications over the years due to the age of its members: Mick Jagger (82 years old), Ron Wood (78 years old) and Keith Richards.
Latest tour of the Rolling Stones was Hackney Diamondsthe namesake of their most recent album, which had 20 dates in the United States over three months. Fans had already been disappointed at the beginning of 2025 when a supposed tour of Europe was also cancelled.