The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has confirmed that the band is aiming for a return to the stage next year, while teasing that new music is already in development. 

In recent interviews, the veteran rocker outlined a busy roadmap for the iconic band, balancing upcoming album releases and fresh songwriting sessions with a tentative return to the stage after a quiet 2026.

Speaking with NME, Jagger said no shows are booked for 2026 because bandmate Keith Richards has reservations about touring and scheduling.

"Keith couldn't commit, and he wasn't feeling so great about touring and everything," Jagger explained. 

But he made it clear the band's touring days aren't over. Instead, the group is considering different ways to perform live, such as short runs of shows in a single city, similar to Harry Styles' recent concerts in London and Amsterdam, rather than a traditional Las Vegas residency.

Asked point-blank if the Stones would ever play live again, Jagger said, "Hopefully not [over]. I don't think there'll be shows this year, but I hope to do some next year for the Stones ... But we are gonna get live dates in for next year, hopefully." 

The singer also left the door open to a future return to the Glastonbury Festival, despite recalling the logistical difficulties of the band's 2013 headline performance.

"It's a difficult gig to do," Jagger said. "The stage is very odd. It's so disjointed and you're so far away from everyone. We normally have a 50-feet walkway, and we only had 10. I mean, it's great when you look up the hill and you see everyone; it's fantastic. There's no doubt about it. Do I wanna do it again? Oh, I'll say yes."

Turning to future recording plans, Jagger was asked whether a 26th album was already in the works, suggesting the group could be looking at a "trio" of interconnected albums. 

"Yeah, it could be a trio [of albums]," Jagger said. "I've already started writing songs anyway. They could be for other people, though. I'm very open-minded to it. I've got a lot of stuff, and not all of it's suitable for the Rolling Stones. It shouldn't stop me writing them, you know – if you get an idea, just write it."

Apart from the NME interview, Jagger also tempered expectations for a tour this year, saying there are no immediate plans for live dates.

The announcement follows a report from Rolling Stone revealing that the group previously declined several offers last January for a summer 2026 U.K. and European stadium tour due to travel logistics and preexisting commitments. 

Speaking to BBC Radio 2 alongside guitarist Ronnie Wood earlier this month, Jagger reiterated his eagerness to return to touring.

"I'd love to go on tour. I can't wait. I don't think it's going to be this year. But hopefully it's going to be as soon as possible."

If they go ahead, the performances would mark the band's first live shows since its 20-concert North American stadium tour in 2024 supporting Hackney Diamonds.

On the recording front, the band is preparing to release "Foreign Tongues," its 25th studio album, on July 10. 

The album features guest appearances by Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, and Robert Smith.