Stones Reunite With Wyman And Taylor For Gigs

The Rolling Stones have announced the return of former members Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor for their upcoming 50 And Counting shows.

The band played their first gig in 1962 at The Marquee Club in Oxford St in London, and it will be the first time in more than 20 years that they have all performed together.

Wyman, 76, played bass with the band from 1962 until retiring in 1993. Rumours circulated earlier this year that he was once again rehearsing with his former bandmates.

Taylor was a member from 1969 to 1974 and replaced founder member Brian Jones, who died just a month after being asked to leave the band.

Taylor was the guitarist on what is widely considered to be The Rolling Stones' best album, Exile On Main St.

Full details just released about the four-date shows reveal there will be no support acts.

The gigs begin on November 25 and promise to celebrate half a century of the group, with a full two-hour set of their hits, as well as a few surprises.

A further date in London is scheduled for November 29 before the band move to Newark, New Jersey, in December for the remaining two dates.

There has been controversy over ticket prices, which begin at more than £100 and reach £1,000 for premium access.

A spokesman for promoter Virgin Live said the gigs were a "one-off celebration of their 50th anniversary and not part of an extended global tour where substantial production costs can be spread over a lengthy period of shows".

News of the celebratory shows accompanies the release of the band's new video, Doom And Gloom, which sees the band team up with Noomi Rapace, the star of Prometheus and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

The single is one of two new tracks from the band's 80-track compilation album Grrr!, which was released on November 12.