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2 October 2026, 11:30
The Rolling Stones scored a massive success with their 25th studio album Foreign Tongues earlier this year, but they are yet to announce an accompanying live tour.
For years it felt that the Stones had become more of a live proposition than a studio band: they have consistently been on the road since the turn of the century, but only released four records in that time, with one of those being a covers album.
But that may have now flipped, given the relatively brisk three year gap between Foreign Tongues and its 2023 predecessor Hackney Diamonds and the fact that the Rolling Stones haven't played live since they wrapped their last tour in 2024.
It's no secret that the main reason why they're yet to take their new album to the live stage is Keith Richards's reticence about getting on the road.
And speaking to the NME, guitarist Ronnie Wood has now spoken very frankly about the split in the band on the matter.
The Rolling Stones - Mr Charm (Official Video)
"When the Stones give me the call-up papers, I'll be back," Ronnie said.
"But in the meantime, I have to keep playing. When my compadres say, 'Let's go', I'll be ready."
He added: "I know Mick [Jagger] is busting to go, and Keith is not busting to go. And you've got to have everybody's enthusiasm to do it.”
Asked if the band would play Glastonbury Festival in 2027, following their belated debut in 2013, Wood said: "I would play that in the drop of a hat, but everybody doesn't think like that.
The Rolling Stones - Jealous Lover
"I think we should do a gig, just like you do. And I think we should do a tour, but it's easier said than done."
Of the positive response to Foreign Tongues, he said: "The people that have heard the album are very happy, but what it needs next is a live presentation.
"Mick and I did a little presentation a month or so ago, where we played a song off the album and a few others. That was good fun, but we need to be the full unit again..."
While he has seemingly ruled out the idea of a tour any time soon, Keith Richards has apparently seemed more amenable to the idea of one-off shows or a concert residency.