The band cancelled a gig in Amsterdam earlier this week

The Rolling Stones have had to postpone the first UK gig of their world tour on Saturday because Mick Jagger has flu.

The band were due to play in their home town of Twickenham on Saturday night but have had to pull out because of Jagger's sore throat.

Their second gig on Sunday, also at Twickenham, is still going ahead.

"The doctors tell me that I must have two more days rest - and after that, I will be completely recovered and ready for a full-on stadium show on Sunday," Jagger said.

The band's tour promoter apologised to fans.

"The Stones were looking forward to opening in the UK - for their hometown audience - with all guns blazing," said Michael Cohl.

"We're sorry to disappoint the fans who were coming on Saturday," he added.

Saturday's concert has been rescheduled for 20 September.

'Suitably recharged'

The band had already postponed a gig in Amsterdam earlier this week because of Jagger's illness.

He had hoped to be fit in time for the Twickenham concert.

He said on Wednesday: "I will be suitably recharged, recovered and fit for Saturday's kick-off of the UK dates at Twickenham stadium, in our home town."

The Stones have had to cancel a number of shows on their 40 Licks world tour due to band illness, safety fears in Belgrade, the Sars outbreak in Asia and problems with their flights.

It is the third time Sir Mick, who turned 60 last month, has had to pull out of a gig on the current tour.

Earlier in the tour he cancelled a concert in Spain after coming down with laryngitis.

Further dates scheduled for later this month in London at the Astoria and at Wembley, and also in Glasgow, Manchester and Dublin are not affected.