If you had asked anyone in 1969 how long the Glimmer Twins would last, the answer would have been "maybe next Tuesday." Yet, here we are in 2026. The world has changed. The music industry has practically evaporated and reconstituted itself three times. But Mick and Keith? They’re still here.
People ask how old is Mick Jagger and Keith Richards like it’s a trick question. Maybe they expect a secret number or a hidden portrait in an attic. The truth is actually pretty straightforward, even if their ability to survive it isn’t.
The Cold, Hard Numbers for 2026
Let’s get the math out of the way before we get into how they’re still standing.
Mick Jagger is 82 years old. He was born Michael Philip Jagger on July 26, 1943. He’ll hit 83 this summer. Just a few weeks ago, he was spotted celebrating the New Year in a literal animal mask with fire breathers. Seriously. The man has more energy at 82 than most people have at 22 after a double espresso.
Keith Richards is also 82 years old. He was born December 18, 1943. He’s the "baby" of the duo by about five months. While Mick spent his New Year's under strobe lights, Keith has been keeping it a bit more low-key at his home in Connecticut with his wife, Patti Hansen.
It’s wild to think about. They’ve been friends since they were five years old at Wentworth Primary School in Dartford. They lost touch, found each other again on a train platform in 1961—Mick was carrying Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records—and the rest is history.
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Why Everyone Is Talking About Their Age Right Now
Usually, their age is just a fun trivia point. But 2026 feels a little different. There’s been a lot of chatter because the Rolling Stones recently scrapped plans for a massive stadium tour across the UK and Europe.
Naturally, the rumors started flying. Was it a blowout fight? Did they finally get bored?
Honestly, it sounds like it’s just the reality of being an octogenarian. Reports from insiders say Keith wasn’t feeling the "rigors" of a four-month stadium grind. He’s been dealing with arthritis for a while now. He’s even talked about how it changed his guitar playing, forcing him to find new ways to hit chords when his fingers wouldn't cooperate.
"I don't have any pain, it's a sort of benign version," Keith told the BBC a while back. "When I'm like, 'I can't quite do that any more,' the guitar will show me there's another way of doing it."
That’s pure Keef.
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The Jagger Routine vs. The Richards Mystery
How do they do it? It’s the ultimate contrast in lifestyles.
Mick Jagger is a biological marvel. His workout routine is legendary—and exhausting just to read about. He reportedly runs eight miles a day, does kickboxing, swims, and takes ballet lessons to keep his balance on stage. He basically treats his body like a high-performance Italian sports car. If you saw him during the Hackney Diamonds tour in 2024, you know he still covers miles of stage every night.
Then there’s Keith.
For decades, Keith Richards was the poster child for "how is he still alive?" He famously quit the hard stuff years ago—heroin in the 70s, cocaine in 2006, and he even put down the cigarettes in 2019. But he’s never been one for the "kale juice and 5 AM yoga" life. He’s more about the "staying upright out of pure habit" philosophy.
What’s Next for the Stones?
Don't think the tour cancellation means they're retiring to rocking chairs. That’s not how these guys work.
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The band is reportedly finishing up a second album with producer Andrew Watt. Watt is about 50 years younger than them, but Mick has praised his "infectious enthusiasm." It seems the studio is their safe haven now.
There’s also talk of "mini-residencies" instead of a traveling circus. Imagine the Stones staying in one place—like the Sphere in Las Vegas or a week-long stint in London—rather than hopping on planes every three days. It makes sense. It lets them play without the soul-crushing travel.
Closing Thoughts on the Rolling Stones' Longevity
Knowing how old is Mick Jagger and Keith Richards gives you a perspective on rock history. They didn't just live through the 60s; they defined them. And the 70s. And the 80s.
They’ve outlived peers, rivals, and even some of their own bandmates, like the incomparable Charlie Watts. Seeing them still creating music in 2026 isn't just about nostalgia. It's a testament to the idea that you don't have to stop just because the calendar says so.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans:
- Check for Residency News: Keep an eye on official announcements regarding Las Vegas or London residencies for late 2026.
- Listen to the New Material: The upcoming Andrew Watt-produced album is expected to drop soon; it’s the best way to support the band without them needing to fly across the ocean.
- Follow Official Channels: Avoid the "death hoax" clickbait on social media. Stick to reputable music news sites for actual updates on Keith’s health or Mick’s projects.
The Stones are still rolling. They're just picking their hills a bit more carefully these days.