Keith Richards is ''ready'' to record a new Rolling Stones album.

The 71-year-old rocker has hinted the band could be set to head into the studio to create a full length LP, which would be their first since 2005's 'A Bigger Bang'.

When asked about the possibility of a record, he said: ''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'.''

The band - also featuring Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts - are currently touring North America, and despite having spent more than 50 years together, Ronnie said they have ''never been closer''.

He stated: ''I think it's the best vibe ever within the band.''

Keith continued to explain he believes the death of Mick's long-term girlfriend, designer L'Wren Scott, has made the band ''more important'' to the 71-year-old lead singer.

He explained to Rolling Stone magazine: ''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.''

The rocker's sentiments expressing his desire to record new music with his bandmates come just two months after Mick said ''it would be very nice'' to release a new LP.

He said: ''I've done really good demos for all of them, which I would love to record. So, let's hope so.''