Rolling Stones Confirm New 2026 Album, But European Tour Plans Remain Unclear
LONDON, 21 January 2026 – The Rolling Stones are officially in the studio, with guitarist Ronnie Wood confirming the band’s 25th studio album is complete and slated for release this year. However, hopes for a major 2026 stadium tour across Europe appear to be fading, with conflicting reports suggesting the legendary rockers may opt for a less demanding schedule.
A New Chapter: “Hackney Diamonds” Follow-Up
In a recent interview, Ronnie Wood, 78, put speculation to rest, stating plainly: “You will be getting a new album next year. It is done.” The as-yet-untitled record will serve as the follow-up to 2023’s critically and commercially successful *Hackney Diamonds*, which won the Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2025. Producer Andrew Watt, who helmed the previous album, has been back in the studio with the core trio of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Wood, alongside drummer Steve Jordan. The band is reportedly working through a wealth of material, including outtakes from the *Hackney Diamonds* sessions.
The Great Tour Debate: 2026 in Doubt
While a new album is confirmed, the prospect of a supporting tour is mired in uncertainty. The band had previously scrapped a planned European tour for 2025, citing complications with venues and pre-existing commitments. Recent reports now indicate that a full-scale 2026 tour of the UK and Europe has also been shelved. Sources suggest guitarist Keith Richards, who turns 82 in December 2025, expressed concerns about the physical rigours of a major stadium trek.
This aligns with a report from music publication SPIN, which stated the idea was “tabled”. While the Stones have not performed since concluding their North American ‘Hackney Diamonds’ tour in July 2024, insiders do not rule out the possibility of select, one-off performances in 2026 rather than a traditional multi-city tour.
The Jagger Engine: Discipline Defying Time
At the heart of the Stones’ enduring capability is the remarkable fitness of frontman Mick Jagger, now 82. His ability to command the stage for over two hours is the result of a brutal, disciplined regimen detailed in the book *Pacto Con El Diablo* by Isadora Puiggené. Jagger trains up to six days a week under coach Torje Eike, blending swimming, cycling, kickboxing, ballet, yoga, and Pilates. “He believes that if he stops moving, he’ll die,” a source close to the singer told RadarOnline.com. “He trains with the mindset that he’s fighting to stave off death.”
This discipline extends to a Mediterranean-style diet focused on lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, with a notable avoidance of refined sugars after 18:00. Jagger’s commitment was forged in part by a health scare; in April 2019, he successfully underwent a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure for aortic stenosis. His rapid recovery—posting a video of himself dancing weeks later and returning to tour within two months—became a celebrated case study in medical journals, highlighting the efficacy of modern cardiac care.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Album Status | Confirmed for 2026, produced by Andrew Watt. |
| 2026 European Tour | Reports suggest major tour plans have been shelved; select performances possible. |
| Last Major Tour | ‘Hackney Diamonds’ North American leg concluded in July 2024. |
| Mick Jagger’s Age & Regimen | 82 years old. Trains 6 days/week (kickboxing, ballet, swimming, etc.) and follows a strict athlete’s diet. |
| Notable Health History | Underwent successful TAVR heart valve surgery in April 2019. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Has a 2026 Rolling Stones tour been officially announced?
No. As of 21 January 2026, there has been no official announcement from the band or its representatives regarding a 2026 tour. Reports from industry sources indicate that plans for a large-scale tour have been paused.
Where can I buy tickets if a tour is announced?
Official tickets would be sold through the Rolling Stones’ official website (rollingstones.com) and authorised primary ticket sellers like Ticketmaster. Fans are cautioned to avoid unofficial reseller and fan-made websites, which often list speculative dates and prices.
How can the band members, especially Mick Jagger, perform at their age?
Jagger’s stage longevity is attributed to an extraordinary, decades-long commitment to fitness and health. His routine is more rigorous than that of many professional athletes half his age, combining intense cardio, strength training, flexibility work, and a precise, nutrient-rich diet.
Is this new album likely to be the band’s last?
While speculation is natural given the members’ ages, the band has consistently defied expectations. Ronnie Wood’s confirmation of a new album suggests the creative drive remains strong. Jagger himself has previously dismissed the idea of *Hackney Diamonds* being a “last” album.