What Happened to The Rolling Stones?
The Rolling Stones, an iconic English rock band active for over six decades, continue to defy expectations with new music and tours. Following the passing of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the band released their critically acclaimed album "Hackney Diamonds" in October 2023, embarking on a successful North American tour in 2024 and winning a Grammy for Best Rock Album in February 2025. As of early 2026, while plans for a European stadium tour were shelved, a follow-up album is reportedly completed, signaling their ongoing musical output.
Quick Answer
The Rolling Stones remain highly active and influential as of May 2026. They released their first album of original material in 18 years, "Hackney Diamonds," in October 2023, which garnered widespread critical acclaim and a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. The band completed a successful North American tour in 2024. While a planned 2026 European stadium tour was cancelled due to guitarist Keith Richards' health concerns, a new album, a follow-up to "Hackney Diamonds," is reportedly finished and expected to be released in 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
First Public Performance
The band, billed as 'the Rollin' Stones,' played their first show at the Marquee Club in London.
Classic Lineup Debut
The classic lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts played together for the first time at the Ealing Jazz Club.
Ronnie Wood Joins
Ronnie Wood officially joined The Rolling Stones as a guitarist, solidifying the lineup that would remain stable for decades.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
The Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognized for their profound impact on music.
First Best Rock Album Grammy
The band won their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for their album 'Voodoo Lounge'.
Release of 'A Bigger Bang'
The Rolling Stones released 'A Bigger Bang', their last album of original studio material for 18 years.
Charlie Watts Passes Away
Long-time drummer Charlie Watts died at the age of 80, leading to Steve Jordan becoming the touring and studio drummer.
60th Anniversary 'Sixty' Tour Begins
The Rolling Stones commenced their 'Sixty' European tour, celebrating 60 years since their formation.
Release of 'Hackney Diamonds'
The band released 'Hackney Diamonds', their first album of original material in 18 years, to critical and commercial success.
'Hackney Diamonds' Tops UK Charts
The album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart, becoming their 14th UK chart-topping album.
North American 'Hackney Diamonds' Tour Begins
The Rolling Stones kicked off a 20-show North American tour in support of their new album.
60th Anniversary of Ed Sullivan Show Debut
The band marked 60 years since their iconic first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, a pivotal moment in their American breakthrough.
Wins Best Rock Album Grammy for 'Hackney Diamonds'
The Rolling Stones won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for 'Hackney Diamonds' at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
2026 European Tour Plans Shelved
Reports confirmed that plans for a 2026 European stadium tour were cancelled, reportedly due to Keith Richards' inability to commit to the demanding schedule.
New Album Release Expected
A follow-up album to 'Hackney Diamonds', also produced by Andrew Watt, is reportedly completed and expected to be released.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Rolling Stones, formed in London in 1962, have maintained their status as one of the most enduring and influential rock bands for over six decades. The core of the band has long consisted of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, with Steve Jordan stepping in on drums after the death of long-time member Charlie Watts in August 2021.
The band demonstrated their remarkable longevity and creative drive with the release of "Hackney Diamonds" on October 20, 2023. This album marked their first collection of original material since 2005's "A Bigger Bang" and was met with significant critical praise, with many reviewers hailing it as their strongest work in decades. The album notably featured contributions from the late Charlie Watts on two tracks, recorded in 2019, and included an array of guest artists such as Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and even former bassist Bill Wyman. "Hackney Diamonds" was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the UK Official Albums Chart and number three on the US Billboard 200.
In support of the new album, The Rolling Stones embarked on a 20-show North American tour from April to late July 2024, which reportedly grossed an estimated $235 million. The album's success continued into 2025 when, on February 2, 2025, "Hackney Diamonds" won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. This marked their second win in this category, 30 years after their first for "Voodoo Lounge," and their fourth Grammy overall, in addition to a Lifetime Achievement Award. Producer Andrew Watt, who helmed "Hackney Diamonds," accepted the award on the band's behalf.
Looking ahead to 2026, the band's touring plans saw a significant development. In December 2025 and January 2026, reports confirmed that The Rolling Stones had shelved plans for a major 2026 stadium tour across the UK and Europe. Sources indicated that guitarist Keith Richards, who turned 82 in December 2025, was unwilling to commit to the demanding schedule of a lengthy, multi-country stadium tour, citing concerns related to arthritis. Despite this, the band's creative output continues, with touring pianist Chuck Leavell and other sources confirming that a follow-up album to "Hackney Diamonds," also produced by Andrew Watt, is reportedly completed and expected for release in 2026. The Rolling Stones continue to be a formidable force in music, balancing their legendary status with new artistic endeavors.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Rolling Stones made different choices?