The legendary band says it will return to the stage later this year, with four concerts in Newark, New Jersey, and London.

The band members, who celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first gig at a bash earlier this year, revealed their plans in a video message Monday.

The Stones have sold more than 200 million records, with hits including (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, Street Fighting Man and You Can't Always Get What You Want. But in recent years much of their income has come from touring.

Their last global tour, A Bigger Bang, earned more than $500 million between 2005 and 2007, and was the world’s largest grossing show until U2’s 360 Tour.

“Sorry to keep you all hanging around but the waiting is over,” guitarist Keith Richards said in a statement, referring to months of rumours and gossip in the music press about an anniversary tour.

“I’ve always said the best place for rock and roll is on the stage and the same is true for the Stones,” he added. “I’m here with Mick, Charlie and Ronnie and everything is rocking. See you very soon!”

ichards, fellow guitarist Ronnie Wood, lead singer Mick Jagger and drummer Charlie Watts will perform on a stage designed around the band’s trademark tongue and lips logo, and organisers have promised a high-tech live experience.

The shows also mark the launch of a new music venture called Virgin Live combining the Virgin Group and Dainty Group, which is already one of the world’s biggest live music promoters.

As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, the Stones are releasing a new greatest hits album “GRRR!” on November 12/13 and later this week a new documentary charting the group’s rise to superstardom will premiere at the London film festival.

The band started out on July 12, 1962 at the Marquee Club in London’s Oxford Street.

Here's a montage from the band's last tour: