After six decades of performing, Rod Stewart has announced that he is retiring from the stage, declaring that it is “time to say farewell” as he unveiled the dates for what he has called his “final tour ever”.
The 81-year-old singer underwent heart surgery last month after doctors discovered a blockage linked to an undisclosed “underlying heart issue”.
Following the coronary stent procedure, Stewart was forced to cancel the remaining dates of his US tour.
Now, in an update shared today, Sir Rod has confirmed plans for a final run of shows across the UK and Europe.
The Final Encore Tour will begin in Ireland next April before continuing through Europe and concluding in Germany on July 24.
In a video message, Sir Rod 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.”
Rod Stewart has announced his retirement from the stage after six decades, saying it is “time to say farewell” as he confirms the dates for his “final tour ever”.
In an Instagram video posted on Monday, Sir Rod said that, after “much deliberation and sadness”, next year would be his final tour.
“So I want to thank you for everything you have given me and hopefully I’ve given you something in return.”
He then moved to a piano in the corner of the room and began to play as he sang: “Come and see me on the tour!”
Sir Rod, who is married to Penny Lancaster, 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.”
In a separate statement, 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.
“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 currently available through the Fanclub presale, while general sales will begin on October 2.
The Final Encore Tour will open in Ireland next April and finish in Germany on July 24.
Last week, Penny Lancaster said Rod had been diagnosed with an unknown “underlying heart issue” after doctors found a blockage requiring a coronary stent procedure.
Sir Rod performs in Phoenix, Arizona, in June, before undergoing surgery.
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 will perform in cities including Manchester, London, Berlin and Prague.
He 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 Maggie May 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.’