Stones ready to get rolling again

The Rolling Stones, assured that Keith Richards is fully recovered from a head injury, will kick off their rescheduled European tour in Milan, Italy, on July 11. The band is booked for 21 stadium appearances in 11 countries, it was announced Friday.

Richards, 62, was injured in late April when he reportedly fell out of a palm tree while vacationing in Fiji. Richards later had surgery in New Zealand to relieve pressure in his head.

The tour announcement on the Stones’ website said the guitarist had made a “complete recovery from his accident” and was ready to perform.

Richards, in a statement, apologized to fans. “Excuse me, I fell off of my perch!” he said. “Sorry to disrupt everyone’s plans but now -- it’s full steam ahead! Ouch!!”