Image Credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Rolling Stones are not retiring. The Web was abuzz this weekend with rumors that the rock legends are about to pack it in, all based on an anonymously sourced story in The Sun claiming that their next world tour will be their last. “Stones to stop Rolling,” the U.K. tabloid observed. “Time no longer on their side.”
Only one problem: Despite those witty captions, the report is bogus. “Not true,” said the Stones’ rep when asked by EW if the band is planning to retire.
Stones fans can rest easy for now. Still, this rumor got the traction it did for a reason. These guys have been performing for decades. Personally, I think they should keep rocking until it becomes a physical impossibility. As long as there are people out there who want to see them in concert, why shouldn’t they? But perhaps you’ll disagree. Are you glad the Stones aren’t retiring yet? If they don’t call it a day now, when should they?
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I used to think they should quit, until it occured to me that artists like the Wolf and Muddy and Duke Ellington kept at it until they were too dead to continue. So why not the Stones?
The Stones are a blues band at heart and we all know that those old Blues guys play until they drop. Besides I’ve seen this band play lives too many times to count and they keep getting better every tour. Mick is still at the top of his game and while most singers his age are losing their voices, Mick’s has only gotten stronger. I hope they never stop.
The Stones shouldn’t retire, their last studio album (A Bigger Bang) and tour were terrific. Still, they could stop those rumors easily by releasing a new studio album of high-grade tunes – a far stronger option than filling the void with a compilation, live tracks, reissues, or renovated outtakes a la the deluxe reissue of Exile On Main St.
They should come up with an album of all new songs. Stop reliving the past too much. They can still do the rock and roll that made them famous.
One word: No
No disrespect, certainly they’re one of the greatest bands ever, but at this point, would anyone notice either way?
No disrespect, certainly they’re one of the greatest bands ever, but at this point, would anyone notice either way? They sell out stadiums, but do those people eagerly anticipate the next show or do they go because hey, they heard the Stones are coming around?
Sorry about the double post, I blame the site for not updating properly.
Does it matter why people go? As long as tickets are being sold and the promoters are making money, why should they stop touring? I’m presuming Mick and Keith enjoy it, so why begrudge them the opportunity while they have it?
I’m pretty sure I didn’t say I begrudge anyone. I’m just don’t think it matters whether they continue or not. They’re not hurting anything by going on, but I seriously doubt any future shows or albums will take a place in rock history. In short: who cares? Maybe a few individuals who haven’t seen them yet.
Peter is probably a justin bieber fan. YES- lots of people care and eagerly anticipate their shows.
“Nyah nyah, you like Justin Bieber.” Sure, and I’ve got cooties, too. Grow up and tell me what would be lost if they’d retired after Steel Wheels.
maybe it’s me but no matter what year the recording happens to be from but any time i’ve heard the stone live, they sound awful. much better studio band.
Jeff,
Seriously? Are you a rock fan? I am goiing to assume you have never listened to get yer ya’s ya’s out.
In the Rolling Stone review of the album, critic Lester Bangs said, ” I have no doubt that it’s the best rock concert ever put on record.”
I saw them on the Steel Wheels tour in 1989 and they were too old then. Hell yeah they should retire. It’s embarrassing the amount of ancient rockers still dragging their tired bones around a stage and charging ridiculously high prices to see these senior citizens.
I saw them on Steel Wheels too and I thought they were fantastic. They had a couple of hits from that album too.
One of the reasons why there are so many older bands touring is because modern “musicians” can’t write music that they can perform without the help of a computer changing their voices. And the Stones should never stop, never stop.
Mick is still the best front man in the business
from an ew dec. 17 2009 article – rolling stones named top touring artists of the decade:
1. The Rolling Stones
Total Gross: $869,471,325
Number of Shows: 264
Total Attendance: 8,236,586
Number of Sell-Outs: 190
Blackbird, someday you will be “ancient” too. I hope for your sake ANYONE cares. Rolling Stones are icons, and should rock as long as they want to–there will ALWAYS be plenty of people who care!
ew – december 2009
stones named top touring band of the decade
1. The Rolling Stones
Total Gross: $869,471,325
Number of Shows: 264
Total Attendance: 8,236,586
Number of Sell-Outs: 190
Yes, their time is long since past. They rocked it way beyond what anyone expected, but their last really great album was Some Girls.
Keith Richards has been dead for two years and no one has bothered to tell him.
It’s so beyond time for them to let it go. And not because a 70-year old artist can’t be viable, or interesting….But a 70-year old artist trying to work the same themes he did at 21 *is* indeed sad.
I’d love to see Mick Taylor rejoin the band.
They still come out with great cd’s and I look forward to the next one
They should continue to do what they obviously love for as long as they want. People who think they’re too old don’t have to go see them. Simple as that.