(January 8, 2010) -- In an unusual move, the Stones kicked off the new year by releasing the following statement to the press: "Following recent UK media speculation, the Rolling Stones would like to make it clear, there are no plans at the moment for the band to tour in 2010."

 

Obviously, this was a response to the rampant (and false) rumors that the Stones are looking to replace Ronnie Wood. 

 

Up until last week or so, the Stones were seriously considering -- and were investigating the possibilities of -- launching a tour before the end of this year.  But Ronnie's recent strife has stalled the process.

 

Musically speaking, Ronnie's been functioning pretty well.  In recent months, he's jammed onstage with Slash, Pearl Jam, and even his old bandmates from the Faces.  But on the personal front, his battle with booze, combined with his "relationship problems," are of great concern.  Last month, weeks after divorcing his wife Jo, he was accused of assaulting his 21-year-old live-in girlfriend.  

 

Ronnie's arrest and assault charge -- plus the recognition that his alcohol problem may have reached new depths -- are what sparked rumors about his sacking from the Stones.  So the above statement -- "no plans at the moment" -- buys the Stones some time, and gets the media and fans off their back.  More importantly, it buys time for Ronnie to hopefully check himself into rehab and get the help he needs.  (He's already ended his volatile relationship with the 21-year-old cocktail waitress, so that's a step in the right direction.)

 

As for the three other Stones, they're all looking pretty good: 

 

Charlie's still part of a boogie-woogie jazz band with pianists Ben Waters and Axel Zwingenberger, which recently toured British pubs and theaters.  (This month, they're bringing it to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.) 

 

Mick, as televised on HBO, recently guested with U2 at Madison Square Garden.  (It was part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25th anniversary celebration.  Mick performed "Gimme Shelter" and U2's "Stuck In A Moment.")  

 

And Keith, as you may have seen on Spike TV, hopped onstage recently at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to accept the "Rock Immortal Award" at Scream 2009, an event that celebrated the horror and sci-fi genres.  (Far from horrific, Keith was actually looking tanned and healthy.  But his acceptance speech was brief.  Clutching the trophy, he muttered, "Just what I needed.")

 

If the Stones don't launch a tour by the end of 2010, the expectation is that they'll launch one sometime in 2011 or perhaps 2012, in time for their 50th anniversary.  (They played their first show as the Rollin' Stones in July 1962.)  But right now, it's too early to tell.  The point is, all four of them want to tour, and the three original members are willing to give their pal Ronnie the best chance to get in shape for it. 

 

The Stones are guaranteeing fans one thing for 2010, and that's a reissue of their legendary "Exile On Main Street" album, featuring some previously-unreleased bonus tracks. 

 

Stay tuned for further developments.

Got Her Ya-Ya's Out! Lori Morisette of Lake Forest Park, Washington, won the "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" contest that was previously featured on this page.  She received the super-deluxe version of the new "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" box set (shown at the top of this page), containing three CDs, three matching vinyl LPs, a DVD, a 12" X 12" replica tour poster, and a 56-page collectors booklet.  She also received a copy of Ethan Russell's new photo book, "Let It Bleed."  Thanks to Abkco Music for making it happen.