Sir Rod Stewart announces final tour: 'The time has come'

Sir Rod Stewart has announced his final tour, set to take place in 2027. The 81-year-old singer, known for hits like 'Maggie May' and 'Young Turks,' shared the news on social media, revealing that The Final Encore tour will include dates across the world, including in the UK and Ireland.

The tour kicks off on April 23 in Dublin, followed by shows in Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and London. He will be supported by 80s icon Howard Jones, best known for his singles 'Like to Get to Know You Well,' 'What Is Love?,' 'New Song,' and 'Things Can Only Get Better.'

Announcement and fan reaction

In a video posted on Instagram, Stewart said: 'Ladies and gentlemen, after much deliberation and sadness, I have to announce that next year will be my last tour for ever ever.' He assured fans that he is 'not retiring,' but that this will be 'the last rock'n'roll tour.'

'I want to thank you for everything that you've given me and I hope I've given you something in return,' he continued. He then repeatedly hit one note on his piano, singing: 'So please come and see me on the tour, it's gonna be great.'

In the caption, he added: '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.'

Fans were quick to share their reactions in the comment section, with Johnmoonshow writing: 'You will always be in the hearts of millions of people forever and ever. Thank you for all the amazing music. Keep Rocking you absolute legend!'

Tevans49577 added: 'I used to take my mum to @sirrodstewart concerts when she was alive. We played Sailing at her funeral. I'll be there for your last.'

Nealsmom1 said: 'I'm so glad I finally got to see you (this past January at the Hard Rock in Florida)…..you have given me the soundtrack of my life and I thank you for that Sir Rod! I look forward to many more years…..Oh Maggie!'

Statement and health issues

In a statement about the final shows, Sir Rod said: '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.'

Sir Rod's health issues have affected his tours over the last few years, causing several cancellations and rescheduled shows. He recently pulled out of a show in San Diego with 40 minutes to spare after suffering a bout of laryngitis. Before that, he axed two shows in his Las Vegas residency, citing a sinus infection that left him needing vocal recovery time.

Sir Rod also sparked concern after relying on an oxygen tank to get through another performance in Utah, joking that he had 'nearly f****** fainted' in the aftermath. Earlier this month, Sir Rod faced backlash after being spotted at the World Cup in spite of his cancelled performances.