The Rolling Stones have reflected on their extraordinary longevity as a band, with Keith Richards explaining the deep bond he shares with Mick Jagger and stating they have no plans to stop, speaking on TODAY’s Instagram.
The band members were asked to explain how they have managed to stay together and active for so many decades. Richards pointed to something beyond conscious awareness, while Jagger emphasized his continued creative drive and Wood described the urge to perform as fundamental to who they are.
Interviewer: “How do you explain, Keith, the longevity of this band?”
“Oh, you’ll have to talk to my doctor!” Keith Richards said. “I can’t explain it. I would just say that there’s a very, very strong bond between Mick and I that goes even beyond in a way that we’re aware of.”
Ronnie Wood offered his own perspective on the band’s enduring nature. “The only way I can explain it is just say that it’s what we do. You know, it’s just in our blood. We can’t help it.”
Mick Jagger was direct about his own reasons for continuing. “I have a lot more songs to write. I don’t want to slow down, particularly. I don’t feel like slowing down.”
When asked if they would keep going, Richards gave a straightforward answer. “Sure. Of course. What else… now am I going to change?”
The comments came as the band reflected on what drives them to remain active after decades of performing together. Understanding their motivations helps explain why retirement has never been part of their plans.
The band’s creative momentum shows no sign of slowing. The Rolling Stones released their latest studio album, Foreign Tongues, in July 2026, following 2023’s Hackney Diamonds after an 18-year gap in new material. Foreign Tongues became the Stones’ 15th UK Number One album, drawing them level with The Beatles on the all-time list. The band is already back in the studio working on fresh material.
Richards, 78, has managed to continue performing despite arthritis difficulties that have forced him to change his playing style over recent years. The band completed their North American Hackney Diamonds tour on July 21, 2024, which earned $235 million and sold 848,000 tickets. While plans for a UK and European stadium tour in 2026 were scrapped because Richards was unable to commit to it, Wood noted that touring only works when everyone in the band is enthusiastic.
Jagger’s drive to create remains a central force in the band’s work. Richards has said Jagger “won’t bloody stop” making new music, with the momentum from making Foreign Tongues encouraging them to keep working together. The partnership between Richards and Jagger, as described in this interview, represents the kind of creative bond that has sustained The Rolling Stones through more than six decades as a working band.
