The Rolling Stones’ main band members may be fast approaching a combined age of 300, yet the likes of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (both 72-years young) are still looking to improve their on-stage performances. Richards has revealed their plans to tour again in 2018, a clear indication that their distinctive sound will continue to be heard at live shows for several years to come.

Working on new material

It will be heartening news for their devoted fans across the globe, as they can look forward eagerly to further output from band members Jagger, Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts.

They are believed to be working on new material this year which should feature when they hit the road once again.

Looking for improvements

In outlining their future plans, Richards referred to the band’s ongoing motivation as being “sort of what you do.” Despite a staggering musical career spanning more than five decades – beginning in the “swinging sixties” - The Stones still seek that perfect performance, as they seek to “get it a little better, a little bit sharper.” Perfectionists indeed, although their fans aren’t complaining and have ensured that their concerts have commonly featured among the highest-grossing of all time.

Dismissive of The Beatles

During an interview for a recent BBC Two documentary, Richards also had some forthright views concerning The Beatles’ live shows.

Although recognising that the “Fab Four” created some great songs, he made it clear that he didn’t think that they were outstanding as a live band, commenting that “they were never quite there.” The outspoken rocker has previously been just as disparaging about Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which has commonly been viewed as a classic album of its time.

New life for The Stones

Besides an obvious energy on stage, the septuagenarians show few signs of slowing up in their personal lives as well. Sir Mick has recently announced that he is to become a father for the eighth time, by his 29-year-old ballet dancer girlfriend, Melanie Hamrick. Fellow band member, Wood became a father to twin girls in recent weeks as well.