Rod Stewart Announces Retirement After Six Decades, Cites Health and Time for Farewell Tour

Singer Rod Stewart, 81, has announced his retirement from live performances after a career spanning six decades. Stewart revealed that "the time has come to say farewell" to life on the road and confirmed dates for what he described as his "final tour ever."

The Final Encore Tour

Stewart's "Final Encore Tour" is scheduled to begin in April of next year in Ireland and will conclude on July 24 in Germany. In a video clip announcing the tour, Stewart stated, "After much deliberation and sadness I have to announce that next year will be my last tour forever ever. This will be the last rock and roll tour." He expressed gratitude to his fans, saying, "So I want to thank you for everything you have given me and hopefully I've given you something in return."

He further elaborated in a statement, "After more than six decades, The Final Encore will most definitely be my last. 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." Stewart added, "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."

Tickets for the tour are currently available through a fan club presale, with general release set for October 2. Howard Jones, known for hits like "What Is Love?" and "Things Can Only Get Better," is slated to be the support act for the UK and Ireland dates. The tour will include performances in cities such as Manchester, London, Berlin, and Prague.

Health and Recovery

Stewart's announcement follows recent health challenges. His wife, Penny Lancaster, revealed last week that the singer underwent a coronary stent procedure this summer to address an "underlying heart issue" that doctors discovered. Stewart was forced to cancel the remainder of his US tour dates last month after the procedure and was advised to take four weeks off from performing.

In a statement at the time, his spokesperson indicated that doctors were pleased with his recovery, and Stewart was "doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities." The spokesperson added that he would take the subsequent four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage, which unfortunately meant he could not continue with his then-current tour dates.

Stewart, the hitmaker behind songs like "Maggie May," had previously pulled out of several concerts in June due to an acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis, and vocal strain. He reportedly apologized to fans for the cancellations, stating he was "deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down."