Keith Richards has spoken about a forthcoming solo album, suggesting the record could be released in June 2015.

Stating that the record is already “finished”, the guitarist goes on to say that he “doesn’t want to put it out while The [Rolling] Stones are still working”, slating a tentative June 2015 date for the release.

The record would be Richards’ first solo effort since 1992 album Main Offender.

In the interview with Billboard, Richards also talks about plans for the band, who will tour Australia and New Zealand throughout October and November.

When asked if they will continue to tour after these dates, Richard replies, “They’ve got South America lined up in February, Buenos Aires, Peru. And after that, I know what the Stones tours are like, they tend to get extended.” Richards also said it “sounds like that” when questioned as to whether The Rolling Stones could potentially tour throughout 2015.

As well as working on a solo record, Richards opens up about Gus & Me: The Story Of My Granddad And My First Guitar – his children’s book released today (September 9).

Speaking about the decision to write the book, his second after 2010 memoir Life, Richards admitted, “The initial idea did come from the publishers, so you know, ‘Maybe Keith can sell a few more books.’ That’s their business after all. Nine times out of 10 I would have said forget about it. I’m not going there. But because of the circumstances and having another grandchild, everything was sort of falling into place. I said, ‘Damn it. Go for it.'”

On the subject of writing a follow-up to Life, Richards says he will “save it for later”. “There’s been plenty of talk about doing volume two [to Life] because a lot of stuff got left out. I may save that for a little later,” he begins. “I had no intention of doing Life, but they kept bugging me, ‘C’mon, you’ve got to tell the story. Here’s a lot of money.’ OK, twist my arm. And I found out I could articulate things pretty well [and] tell a good story.”