The Rolling Stones have announced a series of tour dates for their 50th anniversary tour and it looks as though they’re pulling out all the stops to make 2013 a year to remember. Not only are the band playing the legendary Glastonbury Festival for the first time, but they will also be returning to Hyde Park, London; the scene of one of the most iconic gigs in the band’s history.

The band’s drummer, Charlie Watts, however, won’t be too enamoured with either of these concert dates, as he has told The Guardian that he doesn’t like outdoor gigs. “I don't want to do it [Glastonbury]. Everyone else does. I don't like playing outdoors, and I certainly don't like festivals. The worse thing playing outdoors is when the wind blows, if you're a drummer, because the cymbals move… it really is hard to play then.” Luckily for Stones fans, the rest of the band are a little more upbeat about the prospect of the hugely high profile performances. They might be faced with a slightly grumpy Watts, but frontman Mick Jagger, at least, is looking forward to playing Hyde Park. The Rolling Stones last played there in 1969, when they were mourning the death of their guitarist Brian Jones.

“Hyde Park holds such great memories for us and we can't think of anywhere better to perform to our UK fans this summer,” said Mick Jagger. His songwriting partner and guitarist Keith Richards also commented “We had such a ball last year and the energy between the band is so good, we can't wait to get back on that stage where the Stones belong.” 

Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones: Drummer Charlie Watts (L) is not so enamoured by this year's outdoor gigs