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The Rolling Stones have played larger and more lucrative tours like no other band. But behind the scenes there is apparently a growing realization that this era is coming to an end.
An originally planned European tour for this summer, which was supposed to accompany a new studio album, was quietly canceled.
Instead, according to a report, the Rolling Stones are now planning a significantly reduced live concept. Three so-called mini-residences are planned for the same period: one in the UK, one in the USA and one in Argentina. This is reported by the Daily Mail.
Three locations instead of a world tour
The new model envisages playing concerts for a week and then taking a break of around two weeks. According to the newspaper, this format should significantly reduce physical strain and still enable live performances.
According to a “US source” familiar with the talks, the American part of the residencies could take place in the futuristic Sphere in Las Vegas, which U2 had announced.
High costs, limited benefits
According to the Daily Mail, the band has received a financially attractive offer from the arena. However, the production and setup costs of the immersive venue are exceptionally high, while the capacity is comparatively low. It is therefore unclear whether an appearance there is economically viable.
The reason for the change of course is not due to a lack of joy in making music together or a lack of financial interest. Both are still present with the Stones.
Keith Richards as a decisive factor
The decisive factor for the cancellation of the big tour is the energy and stress limits of guitarist Keith Richards. The musician is now 82 years old and lives mostly in seclusion in Connecticut with his wife Patti. Occasional stays in the Turks and Caicos Islands included.
According to statements from those close to the band, Richards could no longer imagine the rigors of another global tour. A month of rehearsals and then several months on the road are no longer realistic for him.
Without “Keef” there would be no Stones concert
Frontman Mick Jagger, also 82 years old and still full of energy, would have liked to do such a tour. But for the band there was no question that such a project without Keith Richards was out of the question.
During the “No Filter” tour in 2019, Richards emphasized that all band members were aware that their time on stage was finite. At the time, he joked that no one was falling or tripping and that everyone was in remarkable shape.
Cuts caused by pandemic and death
Guitarist Ronnie Wood was similarly optimistic about his health. But the pandemic interrupted the tour, and before it could continue in 2021, drummer Charlie Watts died.
The fans’ reactions were divided. While some considered the end of touring activities to be long overdue, the band continued to play with Steve Jordan, who initially replaced Watts and also accompanied the 2024 US tour.