Rod Stewart Announces Final Tour Amid Health Issues, But Says He’s ‘Not Retiring’

Rod Stewart will stop touring after one final hurrah.

On Monday, September 28, the music legend, 81, announced his Final Encore Tour, set to take place in the U.K. and Europe in 2027.

“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,” Stewart said in a statement.

He continued, “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.”

“So, may I take this opportunity to thank you for making this extraordinary life possible,” the music icon added. “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 “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” singer’s Final Encore Tour will begin on April 23, 2027, at 3Arena in Dublin. Stewart will then perform in Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester and London before several European tour dates. His final tour stop will be July 24, 2027, at the ZAG Arena in Hanover, Germany.

In a video shared via his Instagram account, Stewart clarified that he will not be retiring from music.

“Ladies and gentlemen, after much deliberation and sadness, I have to announce next year will be my last tour ever, ever, ever,” he said. “I’m not retiring, but this will be the last rock ‘n’ roll tour, so I want to thank you for everything you’ve given me, and hopefully I’ve given you something in return.”

In August, Stewart was forced to cancel several U.S. tour dates, including a six-date Las Vegas residency, after undergoing a heart procedure.

“Following further medical evaluation, Sir Rod Stewart has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure,” read a statement shared via his Instagram account. “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.”

In a message to his fans, Stewart said he was “already feeling better and very much on the mend” following the procedure.

“I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me,” he added. “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.”