Rod Stewart has announced his retirement from live music after six decades, confirming his 2027 European tour will be his last. The 81-year-old rock legend shared his decision with fans on September 28, 2026, following recent health problems and heart surgery.
The farewell concert series, titled Rod Stewart: The Final Encore, is scheduled to begin in April 2027. The tour will include performances across the United Kingdom and other countries in Europe.
Stewart said that after more than six decades, The Final Encore would definitely be his last tour. He explained that he had been singing the music he loved since he was 19 years old and had enjoyed the privilege of carrying it across the world to his audience.
The singer added that music had granted him a life beyond anything he could have imagined. Thanking his fans for making his career possible, Stewart said he hoped they would join him on the tour so he could thank them through music and a great show.
Health Issues and Heart Surgery
The retirement decision follows a period of health difficulties that forced the singer to reduce his live performances. Last month, Stewart cancelled the final 11 concerts of his United States tour after undergoing surgery for stent placement.
A cardiac stent placement is a procedure where a small mesh tube is inserted into a narrowed coronary artery to restore normal blood flow to the heart muscle. The operation came after earlier health concerns on stage, including a performance on June 21, 2026, where Stewart nearly fainted and required an oxygen cylinder brought to him during the concert.
Stewart underwent his heart operation on August 12, 2026, stating shortly afterward that he was already feeling better. His wife publicly shared an update on September 1, 2026, saying that he felt as though he had been given a new chance at life.
Six Decades of Musical Legacy
Stewart is one of the most commercially successful music artists of all time, having sold more than 250 million records worldwide. Born in London, England, the singer built a six-decade career known for his raspy vocal style and hits spanning rock, pop, and blues.
He has been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. He received his first induction as a solo artist and his second as a member of Faces, the British rock band formed in 1969.
