Rolling Stones Scrap 2026 UK and Europe Tour Plans

The Rolling Stones have scrapped plans for a proposed stadium tour across the United Kingdom and Europe in 2026, citing concerns from guitarist Keith Richards about his ability to commit to the demanding schedule.

Although the tour had not been officially announced, band insiders and representatives had indicated earlier this year that the group was nearing completion of a new studio album and preparing to support it with live performances. The band's touring pianist, Chuck Leavell, told reporters in the United Kingdom last month that the album was almost finished and that tour plans were in development. Production on the record is being handled by Andrew Watt, who previously collaborated with the Stones on their 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds.

The decision to cancel came after discussions with promoters who had proposed multiple dates for summer 2026. A band spokesperson, Bernard Doherty, explained via email that "the Stones had promoters presenting loads of ideas and dates to them for next summer in Europe. 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...