Sir Rod Stewart made headlines with his triumphant return to the stage at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday, captivating fans with his energetic performance. The 81-year-old rock icon had previously had to cancel his scheduled shows on May 29 and 30 for his Las Vegas residency, following his doctor’s advice to rest. “My apologies to my family of fans,” Stewart shared in a statement at the time. “I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection. I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer.”
Despite the setback, the Maggie May singer is back in action, much to the delight of his audience who were reluctant for the evening to conclude during his Los Angeles stop on the One Last Time Farewell Tour. This marked Stewart’s 14th performance at the venue, a tradition that dates back to his debut there in 1972. The Grammy-winning artist has continued to extend his farewell tour, which originally kicked off in 2024.
As he graced the stage, Sir Rod addressed the audience, declaring, “This is my last time here, so let’s have a party tonight.” According to Deadline, his words were met with groans of disappointment. While there are no imminent plans for Stewart to retire, fans couldn’t help but voice their concerns about the possibility.
Social media quickly buzzed with speculation over whether this performance signaled the end of his touring days. A particularly heartbroken fan tweeted, “So glad I got to see Rod Stewart in Phoenix. Hope it’s not the Last Time, as promised. Didn’t seem to be a need to come in off the road. He’s adjusted the melodies to suit the new realities of life at 81, but there’s no shame in that.”
One devastated fan tweeted: “So glad I got to see Rod Stewart in Phoenix. Hope it’s not the Last Time, as promised. Didn’t seem to be a need to come in off the road. He’s adjusted the melodies to suit the new realities of life at 81, but there’s no shame in that.”
Another penned: “Last time seeing Rod Stewart live. I’ve followed him since I was 16!”
The legendary performer has previously shut down claims he has any plans to retire.
“I’d like to clear up any confusion that I may have caused with my dear fans and the media,” he wrote on Instagram in June 2023. “I shall never retire! I was put on this earth to be a singer and will keep doing so for as long as the good Lord lets me.”
Early on, Rod paid tribute to his early influences and inspirations for the popular covers albums he’s done over the years.
The Sam Cooke cover “Having a Party” slipped into the Isley Brothers’ “This Old Heart of Mind (Is Weak for You)” and that into Bonnie Tyler’s “It’s a Heartache.”