The Rolling Stones planning to retire after huge world tour

The Rolling Stones will start their farewell world tour next year, bowing out after half a century of rock ‘n roll, the Sun newspaper reported, citing an unidentified person close to rock stars.

The Sun said that the band is in talks with tour promoter Live Nation for a series of farewell dates.

The trek would begin next year and last into 2012, marking the 50th anniversary for the Stones, who formed in 1962.

“They're likely to perform in stadiums. It's almost certainly the last full-scale world tour. The band realise that age is creeping up on them. They want to bow out on top of their game, and not short-change fans,” the Sun quoted an unnamed source as saying.

The four members of the Rolling Stones will have a combined age of 268 when the tour begins, with drummer Charlie Watts turning 70 while on the road. Bandmate Ronnie Wood is 63, while Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are both 66.