they have been consistent..
From the
Wiki page (with a book source):
Initially, lead singer Mick Jagger was not interested in another tour, but guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were, as were elements of the press and public, and Jagger eventually relented.
Sandford, Christopher (2003).
Mick Jagger: Rebel Knight. Omnibus Press. ISBN 0-7119-9833-7. p. 276.
I will agree that they have never retired, but it was high press that this might be the last chance to see the Stones because Jagger was going to go solo. Just the threat is enough for a big act (some said later that it was all an act to make sure they could sell out all of the huge venues - it was the largest grossing tour at the time - but there's been no proof). Then Jagger did go solo, toured by himself and the band didn't comeback to America until 1989, so it looked to be true for a long time. But hey, I was a HUGE beneficiary so no complaints from me that it never panned out.
Now, back to LCD Soundsystem....