Rod Stewart, 81, announces his retirement after six decades on stage and says 'it's time to say farewell' as he confirms dates for 'final tour ever'

Published: 05:27 EDT, 28 September 2026 | Updated: 06:07 EDT, 28 September 2026 Rod Stewart has announced his retirement after six decades on stage and said it is 'time to say farewell' while confirming the dates for his 'final tour ever' – after having heart surgery last month.The singer, 81, had an unknown 'underlying heart issue' before doctors discovered a blockage which required him to undergo a coronary stent procedure this summer.Rod was forced to cancel the remainder of his US tour last month after undergoing the heart procedure and was ordered to take four weeks away from performing.And in a new update on Monday he revealed he is going on his last ever tour around the UK and Europe.The Final Encore Tour will begin next April in Ireland and run until July 24 where he will perform his final date in Germany.In a clip he said: 'After much deliberation and sadness I have to announce that next year will be my last tour forever ever. This will be the last rock and roll tour. Rod Stewart has announced his retirement after six decades on stage and said it is 'time to say farewell' while confirming the dates for his 'final tour ever' In an Instagram clip posted on Monday he said: 'After much deliberation and sadness I have to announce that next year will be my last tour forever ever''So I want to thank you for everything you have given me and hopefully I've given you something in return.'He then walked over to a piano in the corner of the room he was in and started playing while singing: 'Come and see me on the tour!' Rod – who is married to Penny Lancaster – penned in the caption of his post: '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.'In a further statement he added: '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.'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.'Tickets are now available on the Fanclub presale and general release will be on October 2. The Final Encore Tour will begin next April in Ireland and run until July 24 where he will perform his final date in Germany Last week his wife Penny Lancaster revealed Rod had an unknown 'underlying heart issue' before doctors discovered a blockage which required him to undergo a coronary stent procedure this summer Seen performing in June before his surgery Howard Jones, who is best known for his hits What Is Love? and Things Can Only Get Better, will be the support act for the UK and Ireland dates. He will perform in cities including Manchester, London, Berlin and Prague.Rod has been on the road with his One Last Time tour since March, but pulled out of a number of concerts in June after suffering from an acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis and vocal strain.He then cancelled more shows after undergoing the heart surgery last month to allow himself time to recover.His spokesperson said in a statement at the time: 'Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities.'On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage. Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.'The Maggie May hitmaker was said to have been 'feeling better and very much on the mend', and apologised to fans for cancelling his tour.He added in a statement: 'I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.'I'm deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.'