TIME IS ON OUR SIDE

The 2010s



I don't know where (the rumors of my leaving the Stones) came from. I don't know why they picked on me. And why would I want to leave? We're not doing anything. (Laughs) What am I leaving? Do you know what I mean?
- Charlie Watts, January 2010

 

There's no definite plans, but I can't see any of (the Stones) stopping. I wouldn't be surprised if we did something later this year. I don't know how the rest of them feel about roadwork at the moment. Maybe we'll search for a different way for the Stones to go back on the road. Maybe not the football stadiums anymore. Maybe something different. You can't go around there in lemon-yellow tights forever.
- Keith Richards, February 2010

 

You're always thinking of new songs. Or rather, the new songs are thinking of you. I never sit down and say, Oh, it's songwriting time. But every now and again, a certain note or a certain chord sort of rings a bell, and you grab a guitar and go, I must remember that.
- Keith Richards, February 2010, on finding new song ideas during work on the Exile outtakes



Hey, you're asking me? You better ask Mick that one (laughs). But my feeling is that, generally, people get itchy at a certain time. I'm sort of waiting for a phone call, you know?
- Keith Richards, February 2010, asked if Mick wants to record a new album



I just sent Charlie a note saying, Charlie, what's Mick doing? Should I put an available ad in Jazz News or something, like, Guitar player available? I feel a bit itchy, you know. It's been a couple years. There's something inside you that just starts to scratch.
- Keith Richards, March 2010



I don't know (about the Stones' future plans), I'm going to hopefully find out soon, I'm going to be seeing Mick next week or something, so I'm going to try and screw some information out of him. You've got to have everybody want to do it, so I usually wait for a call from Mick saying, Let's make something, let's do something, because without his actual "want to do it", then there's not much point. But I'm always working, I've got ideas for stuff, but I haven't put them together yet with Mick.... (B)ut I don't think (we'll tour) this year, not that I've heard. The suggestion is that there would be a record on instead.
- Keith Richards, May 2010



I don't know what the future of the Rolling Stones (is). Very good, I should think. And we look forward to doing more concerts. Yeah, I'm sure we will.
- Mick Jagger, May 2010



I’m sure we will (tour again). It would be stupid to say there won’t be another Stones tour because I love doing them and I always imagine there would be another Stones tour. When that’s going to be I don’t really know at this point.
- Mick Jagger, May 2010



I don't know yet (when we'll tour) but I look forward to doing it.
- Mick Jagger, May 2010



We have all agreed th(e next tour) won't be the last time. Everyone's rocking.
- Ron Wood, July 2010



We're having discussions for the moment. We're telling ourselves that, if we do something, it'll be next year or in two years. We're getting at an age where you can't project yourself too far into the future. Celebrating our 50 years onstage would be incredible.
- Charlie Watts, September 2010



(W)e're due for our summit meeting, where we all sit around a table and bullshit.... Everyone's got itchy feet. We'll know something by December.
- Ron Wood, September 2010



Well, it's always been "next year" - it's been like that for two years. We'll go on the road when Keith's bored, when his book's out of the way and he's bored, and Ronnie's bored. At the moment, they're both not bored. Bored enough, I mean. So I think that will happen. How long and how we do it will be another thing. It takes a lot of thought, an awful lot, and it usually takes a lot of time.
- Charlie Watts, October 2010



People say, Why don't you give up? I can't retire until I croak. I don't think they quite understand what I get out of this. I'm not doing it just for the money or for you. I'm diong it for me.
- Keith Richards, Life (2010)



(W)e'll be on the road again in the future. Yeah. On the road. I think it's going to happen. I've had a chat with Her Majesty. Brenda.
- Keith Richards, October 2010



(Right now w)e're whispering - I wouldn't say talking. I'm getting hints. And I'm always ready. Mick and I spoke about a month ago in New York. It's at that mumbling stage. But I had some outtakes from the last sessions we did (for A Bigger Bang) and said, Just to jog your memory... So there's interaction. You don't want to push it too hard.
- Keith Richards, October 2010



We're looking forward to going on tour next June.
- Keith Richards, November 2010



Everybody's ready to go out there again. Who said it should stop, and who said when? Only we will know when it comes to an end, with a crashing halt... After these many years working together, we have a lot of unfinished stuff to work on that we had to leave off the last album. And knowing Mick, as I do, he's a very prolific writer. I have ideas (too) and we'll put them together in December or January. We're looking forward to working.
- Keith Richards, November 2010



I get whispers, ideas. I have a feeling that we'll be working next year. I don't know if it'll be in January but next year if all goes well. I get the feeling that Mick wants to get on the road.
- Keith Richards, November 2010



I kind of got a hint of an itch from Mick (laughs) and we started to talk about possibilities of next year and how to do it... How to make the Stones grow up is our big problem right now (laughs)... And I also spoke to Charlie about it when he was here a month or two previous to that. And I know that he's got the gleam in the eye... So we're thinking of, we're working on our different concepts and ways of doing it that will work for us and also work for the audience. And that's the story so far, I cannot give away anything more (laughs)... Yes, (it might extend to recording), that might even come in front... There is a glimmer of light on the horizon. I can't wait to get back at work after two years of looking backwards.
- Keith Richards, December 2010



The one thing I will never give up, if I can avoid it, is the Rolling Stones. You can't go to rehab for that.
- Keith Richards, spring 2011



I'm trying to nail them down but I don't want to crucify them! (laughs)
- Keith Richards, May 2011, asked if the Rolling Stones will work in 2011



I don't have any announcement to make at the moment. I'm just, uh, ya know...just doing this (Super Heavy album) right now.
- Mick Jagger, May 2011, asked if the Rolling Stones will tour in 2012



Something's blowing in the wind. The idea's there. We kind of know we should do it, but nobody's put their finger on the moment yet. This is what we have to ask each other: Do we want to go out in a blaze of glory? We can, if Mick and Charlie feel like I do, that we can still turn people on. We don't have to prove nothing anymore. I just love playing, and I miss the crowd.
- Keith Richards, May 2011, asked if the Rolling Stones will tour in 2012



(B)asically I want to get the Stones back together and give it one more bash. I think they've got it in them. But it's about timing and an awful lot of very careful diplomacy...
- Keith Richards, June 2011



I know Keith is fully supportive, as are the rest of the boys in the Stones. We'll see what we can do as a unit. Playing Hyde Park would be fabulous.
- Ron Wood, July 2011, on the Rolling Stones possibly playing Hyde Park
and other concerts in 2012 to mark their 50th anniversary



(W)e talked about maybe what events are going to be going around for the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones. We don't really know the answer to that, but we talked about it a bit... When is the next Rolling Stones mega-tour? I don’t know really. There isn’t one so far. But there might be anything, anything can happen. It is the 50th anniversary next year... Maybe we could go back to the Marquee to accept a plaque for 50 years of service instead.
- Mick Jagger, September 2011



(Fifty years) sounds a lot of years to me. But you know, you're very lucky to have been doing it that long, so I guess I should be happy (laughs)... It is quite an achievement I suppose, still being around at all. I guess you should be pleased with it but, you know...
- Mick Jagger, September 2011



Well, we're talking about (a tour in 2012) but I don't know if it's going to happen. Listen, you could do anything you want if you put your mind to it. I don't know what's going to happen next year. We'll see... There may be a tour, who knows. Maybe. At the moment nothing is fixed.
- Mick Jagger, September 2011



I don't ever think about that, not [screws up his face] at all, but it exists. You might believe people are more creative at 21 than 61, but a mixed aged group in a room will cure that problem.
- Mick Jagger, 2011, asked if it's harder being
the frontman "character" in his sixties



(W)e're all looking forward to (the 50th anniversary) whatever it is, we don't know what we're going to do... But I said to them we owe it to ourselves and to the people to do something. But we just, you know, whatever... we'll find a way. Anyway we had a great meeting the other week and we're all getting along great and see what happens.
- Ron Wood, October 2011



I would like to think we'd do a tour. If we don't, we don't. I mean, I've felt like that for the last 50 years. It's never bothered me if the Rolling Stones stopped tomorrow.
- Charlie Watts, November 2011



I've no idea (if there'll be a tour next year). We don't really get together that much as a group... There are a lot of ideas and things to do, some of them sound interesting, some of them sound possible and some of them sound difficult and some sound outright schmaltzy, to be honest. I don't really know what's going to exactly happen - but I'm working on it...  (The fiftieth anniversary) is quite amazing when you think about it. Anything's possible.
- Mick Jagger, November 2011



The Stones still work. I know (the prospect of a tour is] an all important point but there's nothing more I'm going to say about that. But the Stones will pull it together... I don't see why in the world the Stones can't put together some kind of show next year. I'd almost count on it. It doesn't have to be the whole spectacle bullshit again, but we've got to find our own way through this... I'm hoping to do something about it. Right now, I don't want to go too much into it. I'm pulling the boys together and (we'll) see what happens. It's a work in progress. I'm not Nostradamus on this, but we all want to do something for the bigI'5-0.
- Keith Richards, November 2011



It's a very different group than the one that played 50 years ago. When I think about it, one part of me goes, We're slightly cheating, because it's not the same band (as in July 1962) - still the same name, but it's only Keith and myself that are the same people, I think. I've tried to find out when Charlie's first gig was... But it's an amazing achievement. It's fantastic and I'm very proud of it.
- Mick Jagger, November 2011



The '80s only seem like yesterday to me. The '90s went so fast. Before you know it, time has flown by.
- Ron Wood, November 2011



It all sounds great, and I'm sure we're going to do lots and lots of wonderful things. What the future may hold is known only to God and myself. I'll talk after we've done it rather than before.
- Mick Jagger, November 2011



I think no one wants to quit because the other one will will say You quit!... We are getting to an age where it's going to be very difficult. It would be lovely next year to do some shows because it will be 50 years. Ronnie plays, I still play, Mick sings, he can do it anyway, I think Keith is doing some records and that, whatever. But anyway it would be great if we did. We are just getting to an age where it's getting a bit difficult to get it together and it's such a bloody performance getting us all together. And it's incredibly expensive if you do all these things.
- Charlie Watts, December 2011



We've got more meetings, everyone wants to do it... That's what we're on the verge of. I don't know what the hell is gonna happen yet but we all feel we owe it to ourselves and to the people to do something. Well, they're still in the talking mode. And I don't know, each week brings a new development. Basically, get the boys feeling comfortable with each other, 'cause we're all ready to go individually. It's just a matter of tying up loose ends and coming together as a unit.
- Ron Wood, February 2012, on the Rolling Stones touring soon



We have lots of special things planned (for the Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary), but I'm not telling you what they are!...  I don't know what's been announced and what hasn't been announced, but everyone asks me about the shows. We haven't announced any shows yet, but I do hope that something happens, even though nothing's booked. There will be lots of lovely things... I've written a lot of songs, but I don't have any concrete plans (to record a new album).
- Mick Jagger, February 2012



Of course I did! The thing was, way back in the '60s we used to go and see performers that were the same age I am now. So I suppose in the back of my mind I hadn't ruled that out. Now we're still doing great things. You've got to have a high energy level. You can't have a low energy level in this kind of music. That's the thing, you've got to keep going. Obviously, you're not going to be the same energy level as when you were 20, but you've still got to put it out there, and that's what I always try and do.
- Mick Jagger, February 2012, on thinking 50 years ago he'd be performing today



Basically, we're just not ready. I have a feeling (2013 is) more realistic... (Mick)'s going to be living in New York too for a while, so we're planning to get things going with the Stones again... We'll just get the boys back together again then and maybe cut a side. I've got plenty in the locker here, but it's not on tape.... The Stones always really considered '63 to be 50 years, because Charlie didn't actually join until January. We look upon 2012 as sort of the year conception, but the birth is next year.
- Keith Richards, March 2012, on a new Stones tour



We do have a 50th anniversary. Whatever is going to be done, we will know in the next few months.
- Ron Wood, April 2012



It looks like we are going to be doing more stuff. I'm keeping October-November free, that's what I've been told.
- Ron Wood, May 2012



We're open for anything. It all seems that things are moving forward... The door is open for anything.
- Keith Richards, May 2012



I'm going over to London (in July) for a bit, so I'll find out more then.... We're going to talk about (recording an album) in July and see. I mean, I'd love to get some tracks down and see what songs we've got. And that goes along with part of getting the band back together and getting things moving.
- Keith Richards, June 2012



(Next) I think we're going to be doing a lot of 50th anniversary stuff, we, the Rolling Stones. (Not a tour or an album), just other things. Fifty years of things. A documentary, well, they haven't approved it yet. I haven't seen it, but we worked on that earlier this year. Books and things like that. There will be other things that the 50 years mean. And touring, we haven't gotten that far. We're still talking about the color of the back page of the book, so we'll see what happens.
- Charlie Watts, July 2012



There's things in the works - I think it's definitely happening. But when? I can't say yet...
- Keith Richards, July 2012



There might be life in the old dog yet - we'll die gracefully, elegantly wasted.
- Keith Richards, July 2012



It’s incredible to think about working with the same band for fifty years. Of course, members have come and gone over the years, but it is still the Rolling Stones. Inevitably it makes you think about the mortality of it. But here we are making plans and attempting to get things organized for the future!
- Mick Jagger, July 2012



Yeah, definitely, later on. Later on this year on stage... (We'll be performing live) in the autumn... You will definitely be seeing us all together soon. It’s been great fun being back together and there are a lot of memories in here. I can’t believe it’s been 50 years. We’ve been hanging out together, seeing quite a bit of each other and we want to do some gigs.
- Mick Jagger, July 2012, asked if the Stones will play live soon



It makes me feel young in some ways. I know lots of people who can't even walk at my age, poor things.
- Mick Jagger, July 2012



You know, getting old is getting old. With a bit of luck, everybody gets there together. It takes a while to learn how to handle your past, but there's no sadness there for me at all. In fact, I look upon it with amazement.
- Keith Richards, November 2012



We've got some shows in London, I believe, and in New York, but I really can't talk about any of that at the moment. They've put the gag on me on this. You can hint!
- Keith Richards, October 2012



I wouldn't be surprised (if we do more concerts next year). Nobody has given us a heads up but this band isn't going to wind up with four shows. Next year looks like it is on.
- Keith Richards, October 2012



My experience with the Rolling Stones is that once the juggernaut starts rolling, it ain't gonna stop. So without sort of saying definitely yes - yeah. We ain't doing all this for four gigs!
- Keith Richards, October 2012



Everyone's human and you can't really expect it to last forever. On the other hand, you try to keep yourself in shape. Obviously you can't do the same things (onstage) you did when you were 19, so you have to do other things. There's no miracles in life... (The expectation is) a bit of a burden, really, isn't it? I better be OK, at least.
- Mick Jagger on being Mick Jagger onstage at 69, October 2012



We're blessed with still being able to cut it. Sir Mick is as agile as ever - he's like a 25-year-old. I have to settle for being a 45-year-old. Keith said, How can it be our 50th anniversary? I'm only 38.
-Ron Wood, October 2012



Oh yeah. I think of Howlin’ Wolf plugging in to his kidney machine - however old he was, 80 or something - and still playing. You just rock till you drop.
- Ron Wood, October 2012, asked if the Rolling Stones will keep rolling



(T)his band is younger now than it was five years ago. It's got a lot more energy in it.
- Keith Richards, November 2012



All good things will come to an end, children, but I can't foresee when that will be.
- Mick Jagger, November 2012, asked about a farewell tour



One thing at a time, baby. It's taken me a year or two to get it this far. I do know that once this juggernaut gets rolling, it's hard to stop. Without being able to promise anything, I have a feeling there's definitely going to be something going next year.
- Keith Richards, November 2012, asked about a tour in 2013



I think the Stones have always done things their own way, and they will always continue to do things their own way. I think everybody is having a good time on stage. It's more than just nostalgia. I think they just feel re-energized and possibly very enthusiastic about doing things in the future. I just have an intuitive feeling that if they want to do some more shows, they can. There's no reason why they shouldn't be able to.
- Mick Taylor, December 2012



This is the last show of our anniversary tour, and we hope to see you all again soon.
- Mick Jagger, onstage, December 15, 2012



(W)e barely got off the starting blocks. It would be dopey to bring things up to this level and say, Well, that's that, 50 years, bye-bye... I just get the feeling – they're itching at the bit now. This thing wasn't enough.
- Keith Richards, December 2012, asked about more touring in 2013



There have been quite a few offers. I'm going to see what's on the table and discuss it with everyone. We'll announce it when we've figured it out.
- Mick Jagger, December 2012, asked about more touring in 2013



We'll see you soon.
- Mick Jagger, January 2013



We're not gonna be ready to go by April. But we're not gonna stop.
- Mick Jagger, January 2013



I've got lots of high hopes this year, now that we're all rehearsed - let's get it cracking this summer.
- Ron Wood, February 2013



Do you know how many times that one's been asked? Who knows, honey? If the guys are flying and rocking and everybody feels good, I don't see why they wouldn't do 51 and Counting, 52... But at the moment, we're well aware that we're getting up there.
- Keith Richards, April 2013, asked if this is the last time



I'm not saying there won't be but if I had (information) I'm told not to talk about it! (laughs) There's always surprises with the Stones.
- Keith Richards, April 2013, on a possible additional tour in the fall



I have a lot of songs and I’d love to do some more recording with the band. But we’re going to get through the tour first and then see what happens.
- Mick Jagger, April 2013, on an eventual new Rolling Stones album



You do now seriously have to look at your age, because if this goes on for another two years, I'll be 73. But I say that at the end of every tour. And then you have two weeks off and your wife says, Aren't you going to work?
- Charlie Watts, April 2013



(W)e have to pace ourselves a bit. Of course age comes into play. But if you've got a frontman like Mick Jagger, and he's raring to go, let's go... Physically, these guys, you can't really knock 'em. It's all skin and bone and muscle. There's not a lot to go wrong.
- Keith Richards, April 2013



I don't know the answer to that. Honestly (laughs). You're awre that the shutters are very gently coming down. Give up when people stop coming any more? I honestly don't know. I play it in the short term. I always have.
- Mick Jagger, April 2013, asked if this is the last tour



Probably not. I don't think so. I might do it to amuse myself, but I don't see it happening. But then you never know what's going to happen to you, do you?
- Mick Jagger, April 2013, asked about eventually performing at a late age on a chair



No, man, everybody should try it if they can get there. If I had a secret, I'd bottle it maybe. I just happen to be here. Just string it, and play it low.
- Keith Richards, April 2013, asked if it freaks him out to be nearing 70



I can't say (there's) trepidation, 'cause there's an obvious cut-off point, but when it is I wouldn't dream of guessing. It'll be a sad day, but at the same time I don't think it will stop me playing music or writing songs. I just want to take this band as far as it can go because it's so bloody interesting.
- Keith Richards, April 2013, on life after the Stones



There's somebody else you've got to ask about that, darling. And it's not Mick Jagger, it's called God, I think. Something in that realm.
- Keith Richards, June 2013, asked when the Rolling Stones will end



Sixtieth - that's a little while yet. I've been hooked on everything once or twice in my life. The one thing I can't kick is playing with The Rolling Stones. All these zeros that keep zooming by… 30, 40, 50 years. I don't really see any reason why there shouldn't be a 60th. Either that or we croak on the job.
- Keith Richards, June 2013



Maybe there'll be things beyond (the Hyde Park concerts), but right now this is the summer then we have a bit of a break.
- Mick Jagger, July 2013



I'm always writing new songs so hopefully we'll do new songs one of these days soon.
- Mick Jagger, July 2013, asked about new Rolling Stones songs in the future



Hopefully we're gonna rehearse again next year... next February... While the big wheel is rolling we are going to capture it before it stops totally.
- Ron Wood, October 2013



I had a really fantastic time in the last year... I’d love to do it again.
- Mick Jagger, November 2013



I think we have plans. Don't nail me down, but I got a call from Mick the other day saying sometime this year we better get in the studio... Playing live gives songwriting and recording more impetus, so I'm hoping we can come out with something great over the next few months.
- Keith Richards, December 2013, on plans for recording new Rolling Stones songs



We'll keep going - rock till we drop.
- Ron Wood, December 2013


It’s always possible I suppose. I mean we are kicking along now. (laughs) I think we’re all pensioners – officially – although I don’t feel like it and I don’t think anybody else does. I think it’s in the blood, you know – you love your job and there’s nothing like really standing in front of a load of people and going Come on, yeah, yeah, yeah and them giving you encouragement. I mean it’s one of the best jobs in the world man. And I’m pretty well paid too. (laughs)
- Keith Richards, February 2014, asked if there may come a time when they won't tour



I've been touring in the summer, I'll be touring in the autumn, and I'm still touring. And I don't know when I'm going to stop, but I'm still going now.
- Mick Jagger, July 2014


Thanks for coming to see us and maybe we'll see you in 2015!
- Mick Jagger, November 2014, in a Rolling Stones thank you video


We're going to come to North America again in the summer... We're coming in June and July, I believe.
- Ron Wood, February 2015


(A)fter the U.S. tour, there's nothing booked. But there are plans for what we'll do in the autumn for gigs, maybe. I don't know about the early autumn, but in the late autumn there's a lot of talk. I haven't booked it yet, but….
- Mick Jagger, March 2015


I hear South America is on the cards somewhere around October, November, so we ain't stopping yet.
- Keith Richards, March 2015

 
We're talking about doing some recording after this tour, but there's nothing definite.
- Keith Richards, March 2015


Nah, not in the moment. I'm thinking about what the next tour is. I'm not thinking about retirement. I'm planning the next set of tours, so the answer is really, No, not really.
- Mick Jagger, March 2015, asked whether he thinks about retirement


I'd like to see just how far (the Rolling Stones) can evolve. I have no demands or particular visions for them, but you're just part of this thing and I want to see how far it will go.
- Keith Richards, March 2015


I think so. It's easy: you just make sure that everyone's happy at the end of the evening. With the Rolling Stones, we're all getting to an age where there's other things to do before 85 comes along. This (15-date) tour is long enough for me. The commitment is still there, but it's not as relaxed as ringing David (Green) up and saying, Want to do this little thing I'm doing?
- Charlie Watts, April 2015, asked if he will continue playing jazz if the Stones ever stop


Ginger (Baker)'s like Keith, that sinewy type of strength. They're the sort of people you think will go on forever. Keith's genes, and Mick's, are amazing.
- Charlie Watts, April 2015


I don't think it means to say it's all over just because you're doing a retrospective exhibition. I think we're still working and still doing shows and we'll continue to do so.
- Mick Jagger, June 2015, on the Rolling Stones' upcoming 2016 exhibition


It would be a lovely way (to end) if it was. But I have a feeling (laughs) it won't be.
- Charlie Watts, June 2015, on the Rolling Stones' upcoming 2016 exhibition


If anybody should be interested in when we're going to quit, it should be the Stones (laughs). And they're not particularly interested in that (laughs).
- Keith Richards, June 2015


Nobody wants to croak, but nobody wants to get old. When the Stones started, we were 18, 19, 20, and the idea of being 30 was absolutely horrendous. Forget about it! And then suddenly you're 40, and oh, they're in it for the long haul. So you need to readjust, and of course kids happen and grandchildren, and then you start to see the pattern unfolding. If you make it, it's fantastic.
- Keith Richards, August 2015


We didn't just do it to get a few hit records and be famous and blah blah blah, 'cause sometimes that's a curse. We're doing what we feel we're good at, and in order to be heard. I don't think there should be any time limit on that. I'm still growing up.
- Keith Richards, August 2015


You might as well go out until you croak, or until people stop listening. But there's a certain love of music, something deeper... it might start out as a pop song, but later on, there's music there that generations are still holding on to and holding up as, Yeah, this is the way it should be. I tell you this, I ain't retiring.
- Keith Richards, August 2015


Growing up never really stops. Everybody thinks you reach a certain age and you're a grown-up, but it's not true. Nobody grows up until the day they croak. I'm sure of it. Because to me it's still the next day and what do we do and how are we going to do it.
- Keith Richards, August 2015


I never thought I'd get this far. Now I have to think about (getting old) and wonder what to do with it. I don't know, man. There's always been the cats in front of me. This is the thing, with evolving. It's my turn for growing old.
- Keith Richards, August 2015


Of course I'm not (immortal), but I love the idea of it. I mean, I wouldn't mind being. I don't know if I could handle all of the stress and the memories that I'd know at 150 years old. But I've defied other people's version of mortality, I suppose.
- Keith Richards, September 2015


It's still a turn-on, and the energy is still there with them. This band surprises me on and on, you know? I don't know how long they'll bloody well last, but I'll be there till the end.
- Keith Richards, September 2015


(Y)eah, there are now definite plans to record... (A new album) looks closer. Don't know where, don't know when yet. We had a little chat. We were just saying, 'We've got to get in the studio right?' 'Right.' 'That’s agreed.' 'Okay, boys, that’s agreed.' Where, when – (we) scratch our heads. I would say off the top of my head after the South American tour in February. But you never know.
- Keith Richards, September 2015


We'll maybe go in the studio in December and cut a few tracks and see what happens... We'll take it from there, see how it all goes. One thing at a time...
- Ron Wood, November 2015


We’re going to go in (the studio) before Christmas. We’re all looking forward to that. And then if that goes well we’ll carry on after South America.
- Ron Wood, November 2015


I don't have a plan to stop. You know, we do this tour, and then we're talking about what we're doing the rest of (the year). We've been in the studio just before Christmas, we're cutting some new tracks. And no doubt when this (tour) is all finished, at the end of the spring we'll do some more.
- Mick Jagger, February 2016


(T)here is something in the works and I’d just like to leave it up there in mystery land.

- Keith Richards, March 2016, on a new Stones album


Yeah, yeah, yeah! We’re planning some gigs later on this year.

- Keith Richards, March 2016, asked if there will be more Stones tours


I must say the resilience of this band, all the crap that’s happened to us so many times, doesn’t stop the fact that we will keep going. Just as long as we’re here. It’s not even a point of honour. It’s just a case of what else are you going to do? We’re probably more solid than ever. I’m looking forward.

- Keith Richards, March 2016


We're a working band. We'll be working again before the end of the year.

- Ron Wood, April 2016


Hopefully we'll never give up. They'll have to shovel us in the grave. We feel like we're still evolving and I think you have to feel that way.

- Keith Richards, April 2016


(Other bands that don't last long are) not really bands. They’re groups. We’re a band. And a real band sticks until it dies!... I mean, we work hard, no one takes it for granted. We’re still looking to make our best record and put on our best show. The Stones have managed to be part of life without being passé. Also, what else are you going to do? I’m here, on the other end, and I’m looking at life from here... This is what happens. It’ll happen to you, it’ll happen to everybody that’s going to read this. Life changes as you go along, and the thing is, it never stops. You never grow up, you just learn a little more. I ain’t getting old, I’m evolving (laughs).

- Keith Richards, June 2016


The Stones are working on (a new album), yeah - at the moment, as we speak. We cut a few new things and we're going in (the studio) again later this year.

- Keith Richards, July 2016


I don’t think you’ll get a last tour out of us just yet.

- Ron Wood, September 2016


(We'll finish the next album) but I don't know when, because you want it to be really good and everything.
- Mick Jagger, October 2016


(The Desert Trip stage) was 30 meters wider than our normal stage, which is quite wide, by the way, which I usually run. And I heard that nobody else went out there, apart from me... And I was just thinking, How long can I fucking do this? How long can I run the hundred-meter stage? I don't know the answer to that. I mean, as long as I can. And then should I stop performing when I can't run the hundred-meter stage, is that it? Does that mean I have to stop? No one else is using the hundred-meter stage!
- Mick Jagger, October 2016


Charlie Watts will never die or retire. I forbid him to.

- Keith Richards, October 2016


Howlin’ Wolf almost died on stage, plugged into his kidney machine, so there’s no reason why we wouldn’t go exactly the same way. I saw John Lee Hooker not long before he died and he was showing me backstage, showing off his new CD and his new white hat and his new girlfriend – he was rocking right to the end.

- Ron Wood, October 2016


I'd like to croak magnificently. Onstage.

- Keith Richards, October 2016


(Blue & Lonesome won't be our last album). It's never going be the last - Keith won't have it! It's never going to be the last show and never going to be the last album... There'll be another studio album, I think. I'm sure Mick and Keith think there will be.

- Charlie Watts, November 2016


No band has ever trod where we have trod (laughs). Hopefully we can keep it going. As long as Charlie's back holds out and (laughs) Mick's legs, as long as he can run, and me and Keith's fingers. It's a matter of keeping the body in good enough shape to be able to perform. I think 70 is the new 40. Another adventure on my 100 years. That's where my life begins: the first 100 years!

- Ron Wood, November 2016


Well I try (to retire) at the end of each tour. Keith says: What are you going to do? I don't know, mow the lawn... So I don't retire.
- Charlie Watts, April 2017


No. Well, it depends which band they’re in, but we won’t.

- Ron Wood, August 2017, asked if rock stars should retire


Charlie Watts will never die or retire. I forbid him to.

- Keith Richards, October 2016


Howlin’ Wolf almost died on stage, plugged into his kidney machine, so there’s no reason why we wouldn’t go exactly the same way. I saw John Lee Hooker not long before he died and he was showing me backstage, showing off his new CD and his new white hat and his new girlfriend – he was rocking right to the end.

- Ron Wood, October 2016


We haven’t finished yet. It’s still too early for me to talk about the Stones’ legacy. There’s one thing that we haven’t yet achieved, and that’s to really find out how long you can do this. It’s still such a joy to play with this band that you can’t really let go of it. I’m more interested in learning how far this bunch can take it.

- Keith Richards, September 2017


It’s incredible to think about working with the same band for more than 50 years. Of course, members have come and gone, but it is still the Rolling Stones. Inevitably it makes you think about the mortality of it. But here we are making plans.
- Mick Jagger, September 2017


I haven’t really thought about this set of gigs being our last tour, to be honest. There is going to come a point when we don’t want to do it any more, for whatever reason, but I’m not thinking about that this summer.
- Mick Jagger, February 2018


I’ve got absolutely no idea. I’m looking forward to Sunday 8th July, which is the last show. That’s as far as I can think ahead with The Rolling Stones. They said we'd finish in 1965 but... No (I don't think about retiring). I've thought that the band might stop a lot of times. I used to think that at the end of every tour. I'd had enough of it - that was it. But no, not really. I hope (when it ends) that everyone says, That'll be it. I'd hate for it to be a bloody big argument. That would be real sad moment... I think if Mick or Keith retired then it would be (the end of the band). But they could get another drummer, another guitar player.
- Charlie Watts, February 2018, asked if this is the last tour


I guess the day (when the band ends i)s obviously going to come, some day. But not in the near future... I never think about it. Never. I know loads of other people worry about it, and I let them concern themselves with it. Me, I'll wait for it to happen.

- Keith Richards, February 2018


When you're like 21, you do things much more quickly than when you're like whatever age I am. I wouldn't want to think about it really. But I still do things... I can write things really quickly now... That makes me really happy that I can just sit down with a guitar and just write something that just comes out. You know in half an hour it's done, more or less. I still do it the same way as I did before. I'm kind of pleased about that... I don't have any problems. I mean a lot of people my age don't really write at all, or they have really problems and they take a lot of time, but I don't really have that.
- Mick Jagger, April 2018


I’ve got a feeling we’ll be carrying on back in the studio within the next few months. (I think the album wi)ll prompt another tour.

- Ron Wood, October 2018


We haven’t really had that conversation (about how long we'll continue touring). We’ve been quite happy doing these shows the way we’re doing them. Nobody’s really talking about stopping. But sometimes it’s hard to believe you’re still doing it.
- Mick Jagger, November 2018


Actually I don't mind. It's just weird to be 70-odd.
- Keith Richards, December 2018, on turning 75


Retiring? No. I'm still growing up.
- Keith Richards, January 2019


Oh that one. I'd be the last one to know darling. We’re feeling good. And we love what we do. There’s no reason to stop really. I love it. I’m really looking forward to it.
- Keith Richards, June 2019, asked if this is the last tour



Back to Main Page