Rod Stewart is preparing to say goodbye to life on the road, announcing that his forthcoming tour, The Final Encore, will be his last after more than six decades of performing around the world.
The singer, 81, shared the news on September 28, confirming UK and European concerts for 2027 alongside a heartfelt message thanking the audiences who have followed his career.
The announcement comes after Rod underwent a coronary stent procedure in August, forcing him to cancel performances while he recovered. He is now looking ahead to a return to the stage, with the newly announced tour beginning in Dublin next April.
Although the decision closes a major chapter in his career, Rod clarified that he is not retiring from music altogether. "I'm not retiring, but this will be the last rock n' roll tour," he explained in a video shared on social media.
Rod Stewart's full farewell statement
Addressing his supporters, Rod reflected on a performing career that began when he was a teenager and took him far beyond anything he had imagined.
He 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.
"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.
© Instagram"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."
His message presented the concerts as an opportunity to celebrate that shared history, giving fans another chance to hear the songs that have accompanied them through the decades.
© Getty ImagesThe heart procedure that interrupted his tour
Rod's announcement follows a difficult summer for his live performances. In August, a representative confirmed that the singer could not continue his remaining One Last Time tour dates following a coronary stent procedure. He had postponed a Cincinnati concert before cancelling a performance in Cleveland.
Rod subsequently reassured fans that he was "very much on the mend", with a break from performing planned to allow him to recover. The affected schedule included dates in his Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
© WireImageThe procedure followed other setbacks earlier in the year. A sinus infection disrupted Las Vegas performances, while laryngitis led to a cancelled San Diego show. During a June concert in Utah, he paused to use oxygen after nearly fainting.
Those interruptions have drawn attention to the physical demands of Rod's performances. However, his farewell announcement did not explicitly identify the heart procedure as the reason for his decision to stop touring.
Where fans can see his final tour
The Final Encore's UK and European run begins at Dublin's 3Arena on April 23, 2027, before travelling to Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London.
The tour then continues through continental Europe, with stops including Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Munich and Prague. The announced European run concludes in Hanover, Germany, on July 24.
Rod also has separately scheduled American appearances in 2027, including September concerts at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Hanover date therefore marks the end of the announced European run, rather than his final scheduled performance.
© GettyA career spanning generations
Rod's farewell follows a career that established him as both a rock frontman and a solo performer whose music crossed genres. He rose to prominence through the Jeff Beck Group and Faces before enjoying solo success with songs including "Maggie May", "Sailing" and "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?"
His achievements include two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognising his solo career and his work with Faces. He has continued to explore different musical styles in recent years. In 2024, he teamed up with Jools Holland for Swing Fever, a collection celebrating big-band music that became his 11th UK number-one album.
