Few have done bigger, better or more lucrative tours than the Rolling Stones. But it is being quietly accepted that their rolling days may be over – with a planned European tour this summer to promote a new studio album being scrapped.
In its place, I can reveal that the Stones are planning three mini–residencies (also for this summer): one in the UK, one in the US and one in Argentina, where they have a huge and avid fan base.
The idea is that they will do a week ‘on’ and then a fortnight off between gigs.
It is possible that the US gig will be at the Sphere in Vegas, according to an American source who is party to negotiations. Which would cause huge excitement.
I hear that a ‘big offer’ is on the table from the arena – but the set–up costs at the innovative immersive venue are high; and the number of seats relatively low. So it might not make economic sense.
As to the why, it’s not because they don’t enjoy playing together, or making money – both still appeal.
But the decision has been made because of the energy levels of the Stones’ legendary guitarist Keith Richards.
Now 82, and living quietly (for the most part) in Connecticut with wife Patti – with the occasional jaunt to his place in the Turks and Caicos islands – I hear he couldn’t face the demands of yet another globe–spanning, money–spinning tour.
Guitarist Keith Richards’ energy levels are said to be the reason why the bandhave scrapped their tour next summer
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Alison Boshoff can reveal that the Stones are planning three mini–residencies (also for this summer): one in the UK, one in the US and one in Argentina, where they have a huge and avid fan base
Frontman Mick Jagger, who is also 82 and as buzzing as ever, would have relished it. But there was no question of doing it without ‘Keef’.
‘Keith just didn’t want to take on a month of rehearsals – and then three months on the road,’ my source said. When the Stones embarked on their No Filter tour in 2019, Keith said they were all very aware their advancing years meant it couldn’t last for ever. ‘So far, no one is tottering and falling over,’ he joked. ‘Everyone is in remarkable shape and, yeah, as long as that holds up, I think we’ll keep at it.’
Ronnie Wood, who plays guitar in the band, agreed: ‘None of us can really believe that we get a clean sheet… My doctor, without bribery, says I’m fit!’ But the tour was interrupted by Covid, and before it could resume, in 2021, drummer Charlie Watts died.
Fans were divided, with some feeling it was time the ‘Strolling Bones’, as they are jokingly called, stopped strolling. Instead, drummer Steve Jordan was drafted in to finish the last leg; and also took Watts’ place on the 2024 tour of America.
The Stones first hit the road in 1963, and in the early years their shows were a byword for sexual and narcotic excess. They’ve performed more than 2,000 concerts – and are widely considered one of the best live acts of all time.
