Sir Rod Stewart has announced that his forthcoming live tour, The Final Encore, will be his last after more than six decades in the music industry. Television presenter Lorraine Kelly has offered her reaction to the news.
One Last Time cut short
The 81-year-old rock legend was compelled to curtail his One Last Time farewell tour across America and Mexico earlier this year due to heart surgery. That stretch had been scheduled to run into September and included a Las Vegas residency.
Next year, The Final Encore tour will travel to mainland Europe alongside planned performances at Belfast's SSE Arena, Dublin's 3Arena, London's The O2, and Glasgow's OVO Hydro. He will conclude the tour with several dates in the U.S.
Sir Rod's message to fans
Breaking the news to supporters, Sir Rod said: "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."
He added: "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," reports the Express.
Lorraine Kelly's reaction
Discussing Sir Rod's announcement on her ITV talk show on Tuesday (September 29) alongside co-star Dr Amir Khan, Lorraine said: "We know he's recovering from heart surgery but he is a trooper and loves what he does so this would have been a really hard decision to make."
Dr Amir said: "Earlier this year he did have routine heart surgery. A stent was put in but his wife Penny [Lancaster] said everything was fine, it's all gone well and he loves touring. She describes him as a boxer with all that energy so this would have been a hard decision."
"I always say to people who are retiring don't stop, slow down, keep moving, keep being active and keep engaging with the community. It'll be really good for your health."
Health complications
The tour revelation comes after the Maggie May singer postponed earlier performances this year owing to health complications, including a respiratory infection which led to laryngitis, as well as a sinus infection.
Sir Rod subsequently pulled his Las Vegas residency last month after a "routine coronary stent procedure" which necessitated further recovery time.
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm.
