The Rolling Stones will not embark on a concert tour in 2026, according to guitarist Keith Richards, as reported by ultimateclassicrock.com.
Despite the upcoming release of their latest album, “Foreign Tongues,” scheduled for July 10, Richards dismissed the possibility of immediate live dates during an album announcement event in New York City on May 12.
Addressing questions regarding a potential tour to support the new record, Richards stated that the band is currently focused on the album’s completion. “Not this year anyway,” Richards remarked, suggesting that discussions for a return to the stage might only resume in 2027.
The announcement comes despite a more optimistic outlook from frontman Mick Jagger. The 82-year-old singer expressed a strong desire to perform the new material, stating he hopes to tour as soon as it is possible. Jagger also attributed his continued stage agility to rigorous discipline and physical fitness, noting that maintaining such performance levels at his age requires significant “hard work.”
The Rolling Stones last toured in 2024 following the release of their 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds. While the Stones remain off the road for now, the summer 2026 concert season features a crowded slate of other veteran acts.
Confirmed tours for the period include AC/DC’s North American leg of the Power Up Tour, beginning in July, and a 50th-anniversary celebration by Iron Maiden. Other heritage artists set for summer dates include Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi and a reunited Rush, who will embark on their first tour in 11 years.
The decision to delay touring marks a rare period of relative stasis for the band, who have remained one of the highest-grossing live acts globally for decades. The gap allows the band to focus on the reception of “Foreign Tongues,” their first major release since the death of long-time drummer Charlie Watts and the subsequent success of Hackney Diamonds.
•Featured image by Gary Miller/Getty Images
