Rod Stewart Announces Retirement After Six-Decade Career
The legendary rocker will embark on one final tour before stepping away from the stage.
Sir Rod Stewart, the iconic rock musician, has announced his retirement following a career that spanned over six decades. The 81-year-old singer plans to conclude his performing career with a final tour, dubbed 'The Final Encore,' which is scheduled to begin next year at Dublin's 3Arena.
Stewart expressed his gratitude to his fans, stating, "After more than six decades, The Final Encore will most definitely be my last." He reflected on his journey, saying, "I've been singing the music I love since I was 19 years old, and I've had the privilege of taking it around the world to all of you. It has given me a life beyond anything I could ever have imagined, and I hope I've given you some fond memories in return."
The upcoming tour is expected to feature many of Stewart's greatest hits, including "Maggie May," "You Wear It Well," "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)," "Hot Legs," "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?," and "Young Turks."
Stewart is recognized as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His career achievements include two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as a member of The Faces. Globally, he has sold over 250 million records.
Earlier this year, Stewart was compelled to cancel the remaining dates of his U.S. tour, which included a six-night residency in Las Vegas. This decision followed a medical procedure where he received a stent implant in his heart due to a blockage. He reassured fans at the time, posting on Instagram, "I'm already feeling better and very much on the mend." He also thanked the medical staff for his care.
Stewart's representative later issued a statement indicating that doctors were pleased with his recovery, and he had resumed normal daily activities. However, he was advised to take four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to live performances. This recuperation period meant he could not continue with his then-current tour dates, with specific details regarding affected shows to be communicated by promoters and venues.