Keith Richards says he feels ready to head back into the studio with the Rolling Stones.

The news comes shortly after Mick Jagger revealed that he'd like to make a new Stones record and plans to release a solo effort should the rest of the band prove unwilling.

It seems, however, he'll have at least one ally in Richards, who told Rolling Stone, "Funny you should mention recording.

Just last week, the word 'studio' popped up while we were rehearsing. I said, 'Well, let's find a time. I'm ready.'"

Ronnie Wood also revealed that the band is in good spirits while ramping up for their summer world tour.

"We've never been closer," he said. "Mick went through that terrible thing Jagger's girlfriend L'Wren Scott died last year, and the band has become even more important to him because of that."