Rod Stewart, 81, announces his retirement from the stage after six decades… and says ‘it’s time to say farewell’ as he confirms dates for ‘final tour ever’
Rod Stewart has announced he is retiring from the stage after six decades with one last tour – saying it is ‘time to say farewell’.
The singer, 81, who had heart surgery last month, said his The Final Encore dates next year will ‘definitely be my last’.
Sir Rod was forced to cut short his One Last Time farewell tour in the US earlier this year because of the operation.
In an online update today he said: ‘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.
‘So I want to thank you for everything you have given me and hopefully I’ve given you something in return.’
In the video clip he then walked over to a piano in the corner of the room and struck up a tune, singing: ‘Come and see me on the tour!’
He captioned the post: ‘Well, here we go… one last time! Come and see me on my One Last Time Tour for one more round of rock ‘n’ roll. I’m really looking forward to it. Get your tickets now with link in the bio.’
Rod Stewart has announced his retirement after six decades on stage and said it is ‘time to say farewell’ while confirming the dates for his ‘final tour ever’
In an Instagram clip posted on Monday Sir Rod said: ‘After much deliberation and sadness I have to announce that next year will be my last tour forever ever’
The 21-date European tour will kick off in Dublin on April 23 next year and finish in Hannover, Germany, on July 24. UK concerts include Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London.
Howard Jones – best known for his Eighties hits What Is Love? and Like To Get To Know You Well – will be the support act for the UK and Ireland dates.
Sir Rod, who has been touring since the 1960s, had a coronary stent fitted last month after doctors found a blockage caused by a previously unknown ‘underlying heart issue’. His wife, Penny Lancaster, said he would ‘come back stronger than ever’ following his operation.
Sir Rod, who started out as a member of The Jeff Beck Group and the Faces, has had 25 UK Top 10 singles as a solo artist. His six No1s include You Wear It Well, Sailing and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
In a further statement today he added: ‘My dear friends, the time has come to say farewell to life on the road. 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.
‘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 Final Encore Tour will begin next April in Ireland and run until July 24 in Germany
Last week his wife Penny Lancaster revealed Rod had an unknown ‘underlying heart issue’ before doctors found a blockage which required him to undergo a coronary stent procedure
Sir Rod performing in Phoenix, Arizona, in June before his surgery
‘So, may I take this opportunity to thank you for making this extraordinary life possible. I hope you’ll join me so I can thank you the best way I know how… with the music and one hell of a show. See you there.’
Tickets are now available on the Fanclub presale and general release will be on October 2.
Sir Rod has been on the road with his One Last Time tour since March, but pulled out of a number of concerts in June after suffering from an acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis and vocal strain.
He then cancelled more shows after undergoing the heart surgery last month to allow himself time to recover and being told to stay off the stage for at least four weeks.
His spokesman said in a statement at the time: ‘Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities.
‘On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage. Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.’
The singer was said to have been ‘feeling better and very much on the mend’, and apologised to fans for cancelling his tour.
He added in a statement: ‘I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.
‘I’m deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.’
