At 81, Rod Stewart is preparing to close one of the most remarkable touring careers in music history. From busking on the streets in the 1960s to selling more than 120 million records worldwide, Stewart built a legacy filled with unforgettable songs, No. 1 hits, legendary performances, and honors that include inductions into both the U.S. and UK Music Halls of Fame—and even a knighthood.
After more than six decades of performing, Stewart has announced that his upcoming farewell tour will be his last.
“My dear friends, the time has come to say farewell to life on the road,” he said. “After more than six decades, The Final Encore will most definitely be my last.”
The announcement comes after a challenging year that included heart surgery and several canceled performances. Yet Stewart’s passion for music remains as strong as ever. Before finally stepping away from the road, he intends to give his fans one last unforgettable celebration of the music that defined generations.
For an artist who has spent most of his life under the stage lights, saying goodbye will be emotional. But if this truly is the final encore, Rod Stewart intends to leave the stage exactly as he entered it—with his voice, his songs, and one hell of a show.