The Rolling Stones’ Longtime Pianist Drops New Hints About an Upcoming European Tour

Early Hints of Future Plans

The Rolling Stones’ longtime pianist, Chuck Leavell, has suggested that the band may be preparing for a European tour. Earlier reports claimed that the group was expected to tour across the continent in 2025, with possible shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, the band chose to remain off the road, leading to speculation that they had returned to the studio to work on a follow-up to their 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds.

Now, Leavell has offered new insight into their next move. Speaking to The Sun, he shared his belief that the group has no intention of slowing down. “They don’t want to hang up the rock ’n’ roll shoes yet. There’s no doubt in my mind,” he said.

Where the Band Might Go Next

Leavell also spoke about where he expects the band to tour in 2026. “We’ve done a good bit in the US the last few years, so I think the likelihood would be somewhere else and my best guess would be probably Europe,” he explained. His comments suggest the band may be preparing to return to major European stages after focusing on American audiences in recent tours.

Having performed with The Rolling Stones since 1982, Leavell also confirmed that the band has continued working on new material. “They’ve been recording. I’m sure there’s already some new music, and I’m sure it’s great,” he said. He added that he is confident about their desire to perform again, stating, “I also am very sure that the band wants to perform.”

Recent Recording Activity

Leavell’s remarks match comments made earlier by Keith Richards’ son, Marlon Richards. In an interview with Record Collector, Marlon shared, “I think they’re planning a tour of Europe.” He also noted that the band had returned to the studio in London, saying, “They’re in town right now, recording.”

Reports from the summer noted that The Rolling Stones had been working at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick. Marlon supported those reports by saying, “They’re in Chiswick or somewhere like that; I think they’re nearly done.”

Producer Andrew Watt, who worked on Hackney Diamonds, also confirmed he had been back in the studio with the band. He told Rolling Stone, “When the tongue is up in the air, you just go… I can say we did some recording together, but that’s all I can say.”