Are The Rolling Stones Retiring from the Road? Keith Richards Weighs In

Keith Richards is once again casting doubt on the future of The Rolling Stones on stage, hinting that the band may be moving away from traditional global touring.  

In a recent interview with Uncut Magazine, the legendary guitarist addressed speculation about whether the Rolling Stones will continue hitting the road in the same way they have for decades, suggesting that the future of their live performances could look very different going forward.  

Richards did not confirm any retirement plans, but he was candid about the physical toll that extensive touring can take at this stage in the band’s career. “I don’t know if tours are possible. It’s the travelling that takes it out of you,” Richards admitted. “But I do see the possibility of us doing residency somewhere. Wherever it is, London, New York, Paris, anywhere. I’ll play Rome! But I don’t see why they shouldn’t be able to throw some shows together in a new format.”  

Loyal fans need not worry about not being able to see the band perform live because Richards added that the desire to play is still there. “It’ll be exciting until something inside me says, ‘That’s that.’ I love working with the guys. I mean, what am I gonna do?”  

Still, fans were disappointed to know that the Stones were supposed to have a U.K. and European stadium tour this year, but did not push through because Richards was not able to commit.  

The next good thing, though, for loyal fans is the release of the band’s 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues. The 82-year-old guitarist said of the project, “The Foreign Tongues album has a continuity from Hackney Diamonds, and it was great to be working in London again, and to have that London vibe around us,” referring to the band’s 2023 album. “It was a month of concentrated punch.”