The Rolling Stones were forced to cancel their 2022 ‘Sixty’ stadium tour of Europe and North America due to lead singer Mick Jagger testing positive for COVID-19. The band made the difficult decision to cancel the tour for the health and safety of their fans, crew members and themselves.
When did The Rolling Stones cancel their tour?
The Rolling Stones officially announced they were postponing their ‘Sixty’ tour on June 13, 2022. The tour was scheduled to kick off on June 1 in Madrid and continue throughout Europe over the summer before heading to North America in the fall. However, just two weeks before opening night, the band shared the news of the cancelation on social media, much to the disappointment of fans worldwide.
Social media announcement
Mick Jagger posted on Twitter and Facebook: “I’m so sorry that we’ve had to postpone the tour. I tested positive for COVID and though I completed the required quarantine period, I am still experiencing symptoms of the virus.” He went on to thank fans for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.
Rescheduled dates
The Stones stated that the shows would be rescheduled once Jagger had made a full recovery. They advised ticket holders to hold onto their tickets until new 2023 dates could be announced. As of October 2022, rescheduled tour dates have not yet been shared.
Why did they have to cancel?
The primary reason for The Rolling Stones having to cancel their entire 2022 tour was that lead singer Mick Jagger tested positive for COVID-19 just before opening night. As a 79-year old cancer survivor, Jagger was considered high risk, so his diagnosis ultimately made touring unsafe and unwise at this time.
Mick Jagger’s COVID-19 diagnosis
Despite being fully vaccinated, Jagger still contracted a breakthrough case of COVID-19 in late May 2022. Though his symptoms were considered mild, COVID guidelines required him to quarantine for 10 days. Jagger completed the isolation period but continued experiencing lingering symptoms, including fatigue and shortness of breath, which made performing impossible.
Ongoing COVID concerns
The global pandemic was still a major concern in summer 2022 when the tour was planned. Rising cases and new variants made COVID an unpredictable threat. Large arena concerts posed risks for fans, crew and the aging rockstars themselves. Canceling was the safest option to protect everyone’s health.
Logistical challenges
Rescheduling a worldwide stadium tour involving hundreds of crew members is extremely complex. Plus, most venues were already booked for months in advance. Unfortunately, postponement ended up being the only feasible choice under the circumstances.
How did fans react?
Understandably, The Rolling Stones’ devoted fans were hugely disappointed by the last minute tour cancellation. Many had made extensive travel plans and booked flights and hotels in anticipation of seeing their favorite rock band live. However, the majority reacted with empathy and support for Mick Jagger’s health situation.
Disappointment but understanding
Across social media, most fans expressed their sadness over the cancelation but wished Jagger a full recovery. Many said that while they were let down, his wellbeing was the priority. Most vowed to hold onto their tickets until the shows were rescheduled, demonstrating their loyalty.
Frustration from some fans
A minority of fans complained about wasted money spent on tickets and travel. Some questioned why the tour wasn’t canceled sooner if COVID was still a concern. Others called for refunds. However, these voices of frustration were outweighed by supporters sending Jagger well wishes.
Gratitude for the announcement
Fans largely appreciated the band letting them know about the postponement quickly rather than waiting until the last minute. The prompt notification meant they could cancel travel reservations in time and potentially get refunds.
How have past tours been affected by health issues?
Illness and injury among band members have disrupted several of The Rolling Stones’ previous tours over the decades. However, the 2022 cancelation due to Jagger’s COVID-19 diagnosis marked the first time an entire Stones tour had been postponed due to health reasons.
Previous Mick Jagger health problems
| Year | Issue | Impact on Touring |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Throat infection | Postponed five Asian shows |
| 2014 | Uncle’s death | Cancelled one Australian concert |
| 2019 | Heart surgery | Postponed entire North American tour |
Keith Richards’ health scares
| Year | Issue | Impact on Touring |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Head injury from falling out of tree | Postponed several shows |
| 2010 | Brain surgery | No tour impact |
| 2015 | Outpatient medical procedure | Postponed one show |
Jagger and Richards’ past health issues resulted in postponed concerts but never a full tour cancellation until 2022. The pandemic created an unprecedented situation.
When will the postponed tour be rescheduled?
The Rolling Stones have not yet announced new 2023 dates for their postponed ‘Sixty’ tour. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of when the iconic rock band will return to the stage and finally celebrate their 60th anniversary on the road.
Depends on Mick Jagger’s recovery
The band said they will only reconvene the tour once Mick Jagger has fully regained his health and stamina following COVID-19. At nearly 80 years old, it may reasonably take him several months to bounce back and be performance ready again.
Scheduling challenges
Rescheduling a worldwide mega tour is complex, especially given limited venue availability. The Stones may have to book dates much farther in advance than they originally planned. Coordinating the crew, equipment, production, etc takes significant lead time.
Summer 2023 speculation
Many experts speculate that summer 2023 is the soonest realistic timeline for The Rolling Stones to commence their postponed tour. This would allow enough time for Jagger’s recovery and logistical planning. No official announcement has been made yet.
What will the rescheduled tour look like?
Details are uncertain but it’s expected the postponed ‘Sixty’ tour’s production will remain similar whenever it is rescheduled. The setlist, stage design, special effects and overall spectacle will likely be unchanged.
Same setlist planned
The Rolling Stones were fully rehearsed and ready to launch the tour in summer 2022, so they will presumably perform the same songs and format when it is rearranged:
| Song | Album |
|---|---|
| Street Fighting Man | Beggars Banquet (1968) |
| 19th Nervous Breakdown | Single (1966) |
| Tumbling Dice | Exile on Main St. (1972) |
The planned set spanned the band’s 60-year career. Fans can likely expect a similar musical experience whenever the shows get rescheduled.
Same spectacular staging
The tour production including lighting, video screens, pyrotechnics and elaborate staging was ready to transport from stadium to stadium before postponement. The crew will likely recreate the same impressive concert experience at the new dates.
Mick Jagger back in top form
Once fully recovered from COVID-19, fans can anticipate Mick Jagger regaining his characteristic exuberant energy onstage. His unmistakable swagger and vociferous singing will undoubtedly return for the awaited rescheduled concerts.
Conclusion
The Rolling Stones’ cancellation of their 2022 ‘Sixty’ tour was an enormous letdown for music lovers worldwide. However, protecting Mick Jagger’s health and safety during ongoing pandemic dangers took appropriate precedence. When the legendary rock band is finally able to reconvene the postponed concerts in 2023, their legions of dedicated fans will surely be elated to help them celebrate six decades of rock and roll history with undiminished joy.