Rock singer Sir Rod Stewart has announced plans to retire from touring after more than 60 years as a live performer. The 81-year-old artist said his farewell run, titled The Final Encore, will begin next year at Dublin’s 3Arena and serve as the closing chapter of a career built on global hits and arena shows. According to Page Six, Stewart framed the tour as a thank-you to fans who supported him since his teens. The news lands after a difficult stretch that interrupted his recent schedule in the United States.
Rod Stewart Sets The Final Encore for 2027
Stewart described the upcoming run as his last major tour and tied the decision to the long arc of his life in music. “After more than six decades, The Final Encore will most definitely be my last,” said Stewart according to Page Six. He also reflected on starting out at 19 and spending decades performing around the world. The farewell shows are expected to celebrate the songs that turned him into one of rock’s biggest voices, while also giving him a chance to mark the end of his touring career on his own terms.
Classic Hits Will Lead Rod Stewart’s Farewell Shows
The set list is expected to lean heavily on the catalog that made Stewart a stadium draw across generations. Fans can likely expect staples such as “Maggie May,” “You Wear It Well,” “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” “Hot Legs,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Young Turks.” That lineup points to a tour built around familiarity rather than reinvention. It also fits the scale of his legacy: more than 250 million records sold worldwide and two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, one as a solo artist and one with The Faces.
Health Setback Halted His Recent US Run
The retirement news follows a recent health issue that forced Stewart off the road. Last month, he canceled the remaining 11 dates of his US tour, including a six-show Las Vegas residency, after undergoing a heart procedure in which doctors fitted a stent. A stent is used to keep blood flowing through narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. The canceled dates raised fresh questions about his immediate future on stage, making the announcement of a final tour especially significant as he balances recovery with plans for one last run.
Recovery Update Clears Path for Return to Stage
Stewart later shared an upbeat message about his condition and his hopes of performing again soon. “I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” Stewart told Page Six. A later statement from his representative said doctors were pleased with his recovery and that he had returned to normal daily activities. He was advised to take four weeks to recuperate before heading back to work. That update gives the occasion a steadier footing, with the veteran performer now aiming to bring his career full circle through a farewell built on gratitude and signature songs.
