LONDON: The Rolling Stones will rock the stage once again with four gigs in Britain and the United States to mark their 50th anniversary, the legendary British band confirmed Monday.

In a video released on the Stones' website and their Facebook page, frontman Mick Jagger, 69, and his three bandmates announced four dates in London and New Jersey, confirming widespread rumours of fresh live concerts.

Jagger, who had dropped hints in recent months that the band would tour again, told BBC radio that the four dates would be followed by a longer string of concerts, yet to be announced.

“You must have guessed this was coming. Surely you didn't think we weren't going to do this,” the ageing rockers said in a two-minute video filled with clips from old shows, which received more than 10,000 “likes” on Facebook.

“Soon we'll be back on stage playing for you in two cities that know how to rock and roll.”

The band play their hometown London at the 02 Arena on November 25 and 29, followed by two nights at the Newark Prudential Center in New Jersey, just outside New York, on December 13 and 15.

The shows will be the first live performances by Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood for five years.

“I've always said the best place for rock and roll is on the stage and the same is true for the Stones,” said Richards.

Tickets for the upcoming shows go on pre-sale for the London gigs on Monday and Saturday for the US shows.

But fans will have to dig deep for the coveted tickets, with standard seats for the London shows costing #375 ($603, 465 euros), although some will be priced at #90.

The four band members have a combined age of 273 years and many fans will see the tour as a possible last chance to see them play live.

The Stones are also set to release a repackaged greatest hits collection called “GRRR!” on November 12, featuring two new songs -- “Doom And Gloom” and “One More Shot”.

“Crossfire Hurricane”, a documentary tracing the band's half-century of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, premieres at the London Film Festival on Thursday.