What was the real status of the band between Dirty Work and Steel Wheels? Here in the states, the news was put out all over the radio thatthey indeed had broken up as a band. Can anyone quote any official sources?

Greg

They never broke up - I have an interview w/ Ron from a local paper in '87, while touring w/ Bo Diddley, in which he says they'll be recording the next year ('88). Of course by then Keith had embarked on his solo album/tour, but Keith also confirmed they had not broken up & would be making an album/tour in '89.

The Rolling Stones NEVER broke up at any stage and never issued a statement to that affect.

I do remember Bill Wyman being interviewed on breakfast TV in the UK around 1987 and stating that in his opinion the band was unlikely to work again...I didnt see the interview but the first I knew about it was when a guy I worked with saw the programme and then when arriving at work, dropped a sympathy card on my desk which he'd bought en route to the office!

The Band never broke up, Jagger did cancel tour plans for 1986 due to band members drug use. He was afraid the Stones would not perform up to their standards.

I have not heard that they broke up, only rumors man...they are the only band that NEVER broke up.