The Mayan calendar predicts that the world will end in 2012, and that year may also mean the end of rock ‘n’ roll for millions of rolling Stones fans. Rumours are circulating that the band may well retire after a monster tour to coincide with celebrations surrounding their fiftieth anniversary.
The band was founded in London in 1962 by Brian Jones, who died in 1969, and Ian Stewart, who was relegated to the backstage in 1963, as well as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman (who retired in 1993).
Mick Taylor replaced Brian Jones and was in turn replaced by Ron Wood after his departure in 1975. Wood’s troubles with alcohol sullied his involvement in the group and, for a time, cast the band in a negative light.
The Rolling Stones have made 29 studio albums since their debut. They returned to the top of UK charts this year with the reissue of Exile on Main Street, a double album on which they’ve reinstated a dozen new songs from the original recording sessions.
According to The Sun, the musicians have chosen to retire while they’re still making news, and because for several years, they’ve been ridiculed for their advanced ages in the young man’s business of rock ‘n roll.
Dates for the farewell tour have yet to be announced, but it seems the tour will last for at least a year and will certainly pad the legends’ retirement funds.