Munich, Bavaria, Germany – The iconic rock band The Rolling Stones has officially canceled its entire 2026 European tour, including a highly anticipated stop in Munich. This news comes just weeks after reports suggested the band would indeed be touring, following the postponement of their 2025 plans. The primary reason cited for the cancellation is the health of guitarist Keith Richards, who is reportedly unable to commit to the rigors of a four-month tour.
Keith Richards’ Arthritis Forces Tour Cancellation
According to multiple media outlets, including the Augsburger Allgemeine and Merkur.de, the decision to cancel the tour was confirmed by sources close to the band and subsequently by management to the Münchner Merkur. Keith Richards, who will turn 82 on December 18, has been increasingly suffering from arthritis in his hands in recent years. This condition has already forced him to adapt his guitar-playing style.
While Richards recently performed three songs in New York, the intensity and demands of a multi-month European tour are significantly greater and deemed too strenuous for the veteran musician. The tour, though not officially announced, was largely considered a certainty, with preparations reportedly well underway. A band spokesperson had previously confirmed these plans to the British press.
Munich Concert in Allianz Arena Will Not Be Rescheduled
The canceled tour was expected to include performances in Munich’s Allianz Arena and Berlin’s Olympiastadion, intended to make up for previously canceled concerts in 2025. The band last played a sold-out show at Munich’s Olympiastadion on June 5, 2022. The 2025 tour had been put on hold earlier in the year, with initial reports from Abendzeitung München and Süddeutsche Zeitung indicating that the reserved date for a Munich concert on July 12, 2025, had been withdrawn by the promoter. This earlier cancellation was met with regret by Olympiapark officials, who noted the financial loss and the band’s historical connection to the venue.
Despite their advanced age, with Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, and Keith Richards all around 80 years old, The Rolling Stones have maintained a regular touring schedule in recent years. Drummer Charlie Watts passed away in 2021 and was replaced by Steve Jordan.
New Album Still a Possibility
For fans, a small consolation may be the prospect of a new album. However, a release date for new material has not yet been announced. The band’s last live performances were in the summer of 2024 in the USA, where they sold approximately 850,000 tickets for their “Hackney Diamonds” tour, generating over 188 million pounds. The cancellation of the 2026 tour marks a significant shift in the band’s recent activity, highlighting the challenges of touring at an advanced age.
Other major musical acts are still scheduled to perform in Munich in 2026, with Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, and The Weeknd all set to play at the Allianz Arena. Helene Fischer will also conclude her tour there. These concerts are being held at the football stadium due to renovations at the Olympiastadion, which will be closed in 2026 and 2027.
Source: augsburger-allgemeine.de, merkur.de, abendzeitung-muenchen.de, sueddeutsche.de, muenchen.t-online.de
