Rolling Stones Call Off 2026 U.K./Europe Stadium Shows As Keith Richards Is Unable To Commit To Touring

The Rolling Stones have canceled their planned 2026 stadium tour of the UK and Europe due to guitarist Keith Richards, who turns 82 this week, being unable to commit to the demanding schedule, citing challenges from his battle with arthritis. Although the Stones have nearly completed a new album with producer Andrew Watt and initially planned a tour in support of the project, Richards expressed reluctance for a multi-month stadium run. “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,” an unnamed “American music critic” told The Sun on Monday (December 15). The band has scaled back touring in recent years as their members age, with their 2024 Hackney Diamonds Tour spanning 20 North American dates spread across three months. While the prospective tour is postponed, a new album is expected in 2026, with the band affirming they will return to the stage when ready. (Variety)