Bump on the head costs the Stones big money

Keith Richards

Keith Richards's brain surgery could cost the Rolling Stones more than £5m ($15.16) in show cancellations, industry sources said yesterday.

The 62-year-old guitarist's recovery over the next few weeks, following an operation to relieve pressure within his skull after falling out of a tree, means up to six shows could be pulled from the start of the European tour until he is fit enough to rejoin the band.

The Stones' team is still negotiating how to reschedule the tour and fit in the axed shows, which should have kicked off in Barcelona a week on Saturday.

An industry insider said: "The Stones can make up to £1m per show. Obviously the tours are a real money-spinner, so they will be very keen to make sure they can keep the losses to a minimum."

The band's 2003 dates gave them the year's highest-grossing tour, taking $300m from 116 shows.

Richards fell from a coconut tree while holidaying in Fiji last month.

He was brought to Auckland's Ascot Hospital, where he underwent surgery on Monday, which a spokesman said was "100 per cent successful", to ease pressure after he complained of headaches.

He has checked out of Ascot Hospital and is spending some time recuperating.

- INDEPENDENT