Rod Stewart Announces Retirement, Attends Musical Gala
The 81-year-year-old rocker and his wife Penny Lancaster were seen at the "Sinatra The Musical" gala in London, shortly after announcing his final tour.
Sir Rod Stewart, 81, and his wife Penny Lancaster, 55, attended the "Sinatra The Musical" gala performance in London on Thursday. The couple, who married in 2007, appeared cheerful as they arrived at the Aldwych Theatre, linking arms before posing for photographs.
Pennny Lancaster wore a black leather pleated miniskirt with a matching blouse and patterned sheer tights, accessorized with a Chanel handbag and white heels. Sir Rod Stewart sported a black suit, a satin shirt, and glittering trainers.
This public appearance follows Stewart's announcement that he will retire from the stage after a career spanning six decades. His upcoming "The Final Encore" tour next year will be his last, marking the end of his touring career. Stewart, who underwent heart surgery last month, had previously been forced to cut short his "One Last Time" farewell tour in the US due to the operation. He expressed his gratitude to fans, stating his intention to say farewell with one last rock and roll tour.
The 21-date European tour is scheduled to begin in Dublin on April 23 and conclude in Hannover, Germany, on July 24. UK dates include stops in Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and London. Howard Jones is set to be the support act for the UK and Ireland shows.
Stewart had a coronary stent fitted last month after doctors discovered a blockage related to an "underlying heart issue." His wife had previously shared that he was recovering well and would "come back stronger than ever." Stewart's career, which began in the 1960s, includes 25 UK Top 10 singles as a solo artist, with six reaching number one.
In a statement regarding his retirement, Stewart said, "The time has come to say farewell to life on the road." He 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 fanclub presales, with general release on October 2. Stewart had previously canceled several concert dates earlier in the year due to an acute upper respiratory infection and later to recover from his heart surgery, which required him to stay off stage for at least four weeks.