‘Time has come to say farewell’: Rocker Sir Rod Stewart’s huge announcement

Rocker Sir Rod Stewart has confirmed that his upcoming tour will be his last, announcing his retirement. 

The 81-year-old singer, who has recently been struck with several health concerns, shared the news on his social media and wrote, “Well, here we go… one last time!”

In the video shared on his Instagram, the Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker confirmed that the upcoming 2027 tour will be his final one. 

“My dear friends, The time has come to say farewell to life on the road,” read a statement from Sir Rod. 

“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.

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“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.”

The 21-date European tour of Rod Stewart: The Final Encore 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.

The shows are due to kick off in April 2027.

Sir Rod, who had heart surgery last month, was forced to postpone several shows already this year due to his health. 

In June he pulled out of a number of concerts after suffering from an acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis and vocal strain.

He then cancelled more shows in August due to heart surgery, and to allow himself to recover. The decision ultimately ended the tour.

“Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities,” read a statement released at the time. 

“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.” 

But recently, his wife, Penny Lancaster, revealed that the surgery actually uncovered an underlying health issue.

“He was at a concert where there was very high altitude. So it would affect anybody,” she said during an appearance on the YouTube series, At Home With Vanessa.

“But what we didn’t know was there was an underlying heart issue.”

Thankfully doctors found the problem at the right time.

“They detected a slight blockage which needed a stent, which, according to a lot of research, it appears that most people over the age of 65 will often need and require a stent,” she explained.

“As one gets older, you’re most likely over the age of 65, 75, to get heart disease or to get prostate cancer. And my husband’s had both. 

“When people say they die of natural causes, that’s what they mean. They die of heart disease or cancer because that’s naturally we’re we’re living longer; we’re going to die of something. But luckily for Rod, it was detected, and now he’s eager to get back.”