Rolling Stones back on the road

The Rolling Stones have confirmed they will return to the road next month after being assured guitarist Keith Richards is fully recovered from a head injury.

The rock icons will kick off their rescheduled European tour in Milan on July 1 and the band is booked for 20 subsequent stadium appearances in 11 countries.

Richards was hospitalised after falling out of a palm tree while holidaying in Fiji in April and underwent brain surgery, putting plans for the European leg of the Stones' A Bigger Bang tour in jeopardy.

"We are delighted to announce the Stones tour is back on track and thank all the fans and ticket holders for their patience," said Promoter Michael Cohl.