The Rolling Stones have announced their intention to tour again in the future, with frontman Mick Jagger declaring he “can’t wait” to bring the legendary rock band touring again. Speaking during an appearance on BBC Radio 2 with guitarist Ronnie Wood on 1 June, Jagger managed expectations by noting that whilst a tour remains firmly on the agenda, it is improbable this year. The statement comes after the band cancelled plans for a UK and European stadium tour in 2026, attributing the decision to logistical difficulties and prior commitments. The announcement arrives as the Stones are set to release their latest record, Foreign Tongues, on 10 July, including work alongside Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Steve Winwood.
Jagger’s Tour Announcement Provides Reassurance to Devoted Fans
Mick Jagger’s honest remarks about the Rolling Stones’ concert schedule will undoubtedly offer reassurance to the band’s loyal fanbase, who have experienced a extended absence from stage shows. The frontman’s assertion that he is keen to get back to performing signals a significant shift in tone from the band’s decision to scrap their 2026 tour plans. Whilst Jagger’s proviso that touring is improbable to start this year may disappoint some devotees, his focus on scheduling dates “as soon as possible” implies the band continues dedicated to engaging with audiences globally in the coming months.
The confirmation of upcoming tour dates carries particular significance given the operational difficulties that led to the postponement of last year’s planned UK and European arena shows. Industry observers had suggested that venue complications and travel arrangements proved impossible hurdles at that point. However, Jagger’s optimistic outlook suggests that the band and its representatives have either resolved these challenges or are ready to confront them anew. For fans who last experienced the Stones perform during their 2024 North American tour supporting Hackney Diamonds, the possibility of upcoming shows constitutes a welcome development.
- Band cancelled 2026 UK and European stadium tour due to logistical issues
- Last performed in 2024 with 20 North American concerts promoting previous album
- Jagger demonstrated eagerness for touring again in the near future
- New album Foreign Tongues likely to arrive ahead of tour announcement
The Road to International Tongues: A New Chapter Starts
The Rolling Stones are set to enter a new artistic chapter with the upcoming arrival of Foreign Tongues, due on 10 July. Recorded at Metropolis Studios in West London under the direction of producer Andrew Watt—who earlier produced the highly regarded Hackney Diamonds—the album marks a extension of the band’s ongoing renaissance. The project reunites the core ensemble of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, accompanied by the longstanding rhythm team of bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Matt Clifford, and drummer Steve Jordan, preserving continuity with the sonic character of their 2023 predecessor.
Perhaps most notably, Foreign Tongues includes a final recording from the deceased Charlie Watts, the Stones’ iconic drummer who passed away in 2021. The appearance was captured during one of his final recording sessions, providing a touching connection to the group’s rich heritage. This addition highlights the emotional weight the band has put into the new material, blending nostalgia with forward momentum as they prepare to showcase these tracks to audiences worldwide. The album’s arrival marks a major achievement in the Stones’ ongoing evolution as studio musicians.
Celebrity-Backed Partnerships Shape the Album
Foreign Tongues boasts an impressive roster of guest artists that spans different generations and musical styles. Paul McCartney, former Beatles member, features on the album, constituting a uncommon partnership between two of rock and roll’s greatest legends. Steve Winwood, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers also contribute to various tracks, producing a diverse sonic palette. These musical partnerships underscore the Stones’ enduring significance and their capacity to draw premier musicians willing to partner with them.
Jagger shared during his BBC Radio 2 interview that some of these partnerships came about spontaneously rather than through structured preparation. His chance encounter with Robert Smith at an industry event, where the Cure frontman was dressed in full makeup and a elaborate dress, led to an impromptu musical session. Similarly, Jagger showed eagerness for working with McCartney for the initial occasion on a studio recording, describing the former Beatle as “a very quick learner.” These anecdotes illustrate how the Stones continue to foster artistic spontaneity and real artistic collaboration.
From Cancelled Schemes to Upcoming Opportunities
The Rolling Stones’ touring schedule has been decidedly uncertain in recent times, particularly following the scrapping of their planned 2026 UK and European stadium tour. Last January, reports emerged that the band had gotten several offers for summer shows but ultimately rejected them due to logistical complications surrounding venue arrangements and travel logistics, combined with pre-existing commitments that made the itinerary unworkable. This letdown had left many fans wondering whether the iconic band would take to the road again, particularly considering Mick Jagger’s advancing years and the physical demands of a large-scale tour.
However, Jagger’s latest visit on BBC Radio 2 has delivered a vital boost to fan morale. During the conversation, the lead singer stated definitively that the Stones are planning to tour in the future, announcing he “can’t wait” to get back on stage. Whilst he managed expectations by excluding any dates this year, Jagger voiced confidence that a tour could materialise “at the earliest opportunity.” With the imminent release of Foreign Tongues providing new songs to play alongside their extensive back catalogue, the stage appears set for the band to announce touring plans within the coming months.
| Year | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Released album Hackney Diamonds |
| 2024 | Completed North American tour with 20 concerts |
| 2026 | Cancelled UK and European stadium tour; new album Foreign Tongues released July 10 |
The Unexpected Meeting of Rock and Roll Partnerships
The formation of Foreign Tongues has been characterised by a number of serendipitous connections that emphasise the improvised character of musical teamwork at the top tier. Mick Jagger’s recollection of meeting Robert Smith of The Cure illustrates this exactly—a fortuitous meeting at an professional gathering that developed into a substantial artistic collaboration. Jagger reflected on the occasion with distinctive charm, explaining how Smith’s remarkable presentation in a flowing dress and lipstick-covered face instantly identified him. Rather than a planned setup, Jagger’s spontaneous suggestion to work together led to Smith’s involvement in the album, showing that at times the best creative occasions arise from unscripted interactions.
Beyond Smith’s involvement, the Stones’ collaboration with Paul McCartney represents another landmark in the band’s illustrious history. Jagger stressed the significance of this pairing, noting that whilst he and McCartney had sung together previously, they had never truly played musical instruments together on a recorded piece. This marked a genuine first for both legendary musicians. Jagger’s recognition for McCartney’s musicianship—describing him as “a very fast learner”—speaks volumes about the effortlessness with which these musical giants took to working together, converting what could have been an awkward meeting of egos into a fluid artistic collaboration.
- Robert Smith collaboration emerged from unexpected encounter at sector gathering
- Paul McCartney’s debut instrumental performance with the Stones
- Guest appearances include Steve Winwood, Chad Smith, and the deceased Charlie Watts