Stones Ponder Future

Although any immediate re-union looks unlikely, the Rolling Stones are expected to begin work on a new album in early 1989.

Following a private meeting in May called by their financial adviser, Prince Rupert Lowenstein, the Stones agreed to meet again and continue to talk with the intention of starting a new record sometime after January 1st. A stadium tour could take place next summer if recording goes smoothly. Stones insiders describe the current relationship between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as "strained but cordial."

Jagger is considering another round of solo shows. Concert promoter Bill Graham, who handled Jagger's Japanese tour earlier this year, says the singer may tour Australia and South America.

Richards is currently winding down production on his debut solo album, due this fall. Sidemen include guitarist Waddy Wachtel, former James Brown saxophonist Maceo Parker, bassist Bootsy Collins, former LaBelle singer Sarah Dash and the Memphis Horns. Willie Mitchell, Al Green's one-time producer, arranged tracks for the album.

Other members of the band are also keeping busy: Bill Wyman is working on the outline of his massive Stones biography; Charlie Watts has been playing jazz gigs around London; and Ron Wood is playing European music festivals with Bo Diddley, who accompanied the Stones on their first English tour, in 1963. Wood, an accomplished artist, also contributed the cover art to the recent Eric Clapton retrospective set Crossroads.

This is a story from the July 14, 1988 issue of Rolling Stone.