Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has said he expects that the band will record new material before the end of 2010.

The band's future has been uncertain since they completed their Bigger Bang world tour in 2007.

But in an interview with Rolling Stone, Richards said: “There’s no definite plans, but I can’t see any of them stopping.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we did some recording later this year.”

However, Richards, who is currently writing his autobiography, cast doubt over the Rolling Stones' future as a live act.

He said the group may consider scaling down any future concerts, despite the success of recent stadium tours.

“Maybe we’ll search for a different way for the Stones to go back on the road,” Richard said.

“Maybe not the football stadiums anymore. Maybe something different. You can’t go around there in lemon-yellow tights forever.”

The guitarist was also asked in the interview about rumours that he had stopped drinking.

“Listen, the rumours of my sobriety are greatly exaggerated,” he replied, before adding: “And we’ll leave it at that.”

Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones are set to re-issue their 1972 album 'Exile on Main Street' in May.

(by Jason Gregory)