The Rolling Stones have confirmed their plans to perform again in the future, with frontman Mick Jagger declaring he “can’t wait” to bring the legendary rock band back on the road. Speaking during an interview with BBC Radio 2 alongside guitarist Ronnie Wood on 1 June, Jagger managed expectations by noting that whilst a tour remains firmly on the agenda, it is unlikely to materialise this year. The statement comes after the band scrapped plans for a European and UK stadium tour in 2026, citing operational challenges and existing obligations. The announcement arrives as the Stones are set to release their new album, Foreign Tongues, on 10 July, including work alongside Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Steve Winwood.
Jagger’s Tour Announcement Brings Hope to Loyal Supporters
Mick Jagger’s forthright remarks about the Rolling Stones’ live performance plans will without question bring relief to the band’s devoted fanbase, who have experienced a prolonged absence from stage shows. The frontman’s assertion that he is enthusiastic to get back to performing represents a significant shift in direction from the band’s move to scrap their 2026 tour plans. Whilst Jagger’s qualification that touring is improbable to start this year may frustrate some enthusiasts, his emphasis on planning dates “as soon as possible” implies the band continues dedicated to engaging with audiences worldwide in the foreseeable future.
The announcement of future touring plans carries special importance given the logistical challenges that precipitated the postponement of the previous year’s planned UK and European arena shows. Industry observers had suggested that venue issues and transportation logistics proved insurmountable obstacles at that point. However, Jagger’s positive perspective indicates that the band and its representatives have either resolved these difficulties or are prepared to tackle them anew. For fans who last saw the Stones perform during their 2024 North American tour supporting Hackney Diamonds, the prospect of upcoming shows represents a positive step.
- Band abandoned 2026 UK and continental stadium tour due to logistical issues
- Last visited in 2024 with 20 US and Canadian concerts supporting earlier release
- Jagger demonstrated eagerness for touring again soon
- New album Foreign Tongues likely to arrive ahead of tour announcement
The Road to Languages Abroad: A Fresh Era Commences
The Rolling Stones are set to enter a new artistic chapter with the upcoming arrival of Foreign Tongues, set for 10 July. Recorded at Metropolis Studios in West London with producer Andrew Watt—who earlier produced the widely praised Hackney Diamonds—the album constitutes a progression from the band’s recent artistic renaissance. The project brings together the main band members of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, alongside the longstanding rhythm team of bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Matt Clifford, and drummer Steve Jordan, preserving continuity with the musical identity behind their 2023 predecessor.
Perhaps most movingly, Foreign Tongues features a posthumous contribution from the deceased Charlie Watts, the Stones’ iconic drummer who died in 2021. The appearance was captured during one of his last sessions in the studio, offering a touching connection to the group’s rich heritage. This inclusion emphasises the emotional weight the band has invested in the latest songs, combining nostalgia with forward momentum as they get ready to present these songs to listeners around the globe. The record’s release marks a major achievement in the Stones’ ongoing evolution as recording artists.
Star-Studded Collaborations Mark the Album
Foreign Tongues showcases an impressive roster of guest artists that encompasses multiple generations and genres. Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatle, features on the album, constituting a rare musical collaboration between two of rock and roll’s most iconic figures. Steve Winwood, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers also contribute to multiple tracks, producing a rich musical landscape. These musical partnerships underscore the Stones’ enduring significance and their capacity to draw premier musicians eager to work alongside them.
Jagger revealed during his BBC Radio 2 interview that some of these collaborations emerged organically rather than through structured preparation. His fortuitous introduction with Robert Smith at an industry event, where the Cure frontman was adorned in full makeup and a elaborate dress, led to an impromptu musical session. Similarly, Jagger expressed enthusiasm about working with McCartney for the first time on a studio recording, describing the former Beatle as “a remarkably quick study.” These accounts illustrate how the Stones maintain creative freedom and genuine artistic camaraderie.
From Abandoned Arrangements to Future Prospects
The Rolling Stones’ tour plans has been decidedly uncertain in recent years, particularly following the cancellation of their proposed 2026 UK and European stadium dates. Last January, word came out that the band had gotten several offers for summer shows but eventually turned down them due to logistical complications surrounding venue arrangements and travel requirements, combined with prior obligations that made the itinerary unworkable. This disappointment had left many fans questioning if the legendary rockers would tour again, especially given 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 much-needed boost to supporter confidence. During the interview, the frontman stated definitively that the Stones are planning to go on tour in the future, declaring he “can’t wait” to return to performing. Whilst he tempered expectations by excluding any shows in 2024, Jagger expressed optimism that a touring schedule could take shape “at the earliest opportunity.” With the upcoming arrival of Foreign Tongues providing new songs to perform alongside their vast catalogue, the stage appears set for the group 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 Happy Alignment of Rock and Roll Collaborations
The creation of Foreign Tongues has been defined by a series of fortunate meetings that underscore the improvised character of musical teamwork at the highest level. Mick Jagger’s account of connecting with Robert Smith of The Cure illustrates this precisely—a chance encounter at an industry event that developed into a substantial artistic working relationship. Jagger recalled the moment with characteristic humour, recounting how Smith’s remarkable presentation in a flowing dress and lipstick-adorned face at once identified him. Rather than a planned setup, Jagger’s unplanned proposal to join forces resulted in Smith’s involvement in the album, demonstrating that occasionally the finest artistic occasions arise from improvised conversations.
Beyond Smith’s involvement, the Stones’ partnership with Paul McCartney constitutes another landmark in the band’s storied history. Jagger emphasised the significance of this union, noting that whilst he and McCartney had sung together previously, they had never truly played musical instruments together on a studio recording. This marked a true first for both music legends. Jagger’s commendation for McCartney’s musicianship—describing him as “a very fast learner”—speaks volumes about the smoothness with which these rock legends adjusted to working together, converting what could have been an awkward meeting of egos into a fluid artistic collaboration.
- Robert Smith partnership emerged from chance meeting at industry event
- Paul McCartney’s debut instrumental work alongside the Stones
- Guest appearances feature Steve Winwood, Chad Smith, and the deceased Charlie Watts