The short version
- Rod Stewart has announced that his upcoming 2027 tour will be his last major touring engagement.
- The decision follows a series of health-related cancellations and medical procedures during his recent US farewell tour.
- While ending regular tours, the singer remains open to occasional one-off performances and future studio recordings.
Rod Stewart has confirmed that his next scheduled concert run will mark the end of his extensive touring career. The 81-year-old musician announced plans for a tour titled 'The Final Encore,' which is set to begin in April 2027. This series of performances will take place across the United Kingdom and various European countries, concluding in Hanover, Germany, in July. Stewart stated that this would most definitely be his last tour, signaling a definitive close to a professional journey that has spanned more than six decades.
The announcement comes after a turbulent period for the singer’s recent live performances. His previous farewell tour of the United States, branded as 'One Last Time,' faced significant disruptions due to health complications. In June 2026, Stewart was forced to pause a concert in Utah after nearly fainting and requiring an oxygen mask. He subsequently canceled the remainder of that US leg following a heart procedure. Earlier in 2025, the tour had already encountered multiple cancellations attributed to influenza, strep throat, COVID-19, and the need for vocal rest.
Despite these recent medical challenges, Stewart maintained his commitment to performing when possible. He proceeded with a high-profile appearance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2025, despite concerns that flu might prevent him from taking the stage. Critics noted that while his voice showed signs of age, particularly in sustaining long notes, he remained a dynamic physical presence on stage. The performance was described as energetic, with Stewart moving vigorously around the venue, demonstrating a stamina that contrasted with his vocal limitations.
Stewart’s career began in the early 1960s when he started touring Europe as a teenager. His early experiences included traveling with folk singer Wizz Jones, an adventure that ended with his deportation from Spain for vagrancy. He subsequently played in several groups, including the Jeff Beck Group and the Faces, before launching a highly successful solo career in the late 1960s. His commercial dominance was evident early on, with his 1971 album 'Every Picture Tells a Story' topping charts. Since then, nearly all of his studio albums have reached the UK Top 10.
The upcoming European tour will feature dates in major cities such as Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and London. The itinerary also includes stops in Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, Budapest, Munich, Pula, Prague, Kraków, and Hanover. Stewart expressed gratitude to his fans for supporting him throughout his career, noting that touring has given him a life beyond his imagination. He promised an energetic show as he bids farewell to the road.
Although Stewart is retiring from regular tours, he has not ruled out all live performances. He indicated that one-off gigs might still occur in the future. Additionally, there are currently scheduled dates for September 2027 at Red Rocks in Colorado. These shows were originally planned for June 2026 but were postponed due to inflamed vocal cords. This suggests that while the intensive schedule of a full tour is ending, isolated performances may still happen.
Stewart also hinted at continued musical activity in the studio. He mentioned working on old songs with former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood, though scheduling conflicts have made collaboration difficult. He expressed optimism about finishing these tracks when their schedules align. His most recent studio release, 'Swing Fever,' a collaboration with Jools Holland, reached number one in 2024, demonstrating his ongoing relevance in the music industry.
The transition from touring to a more limited performance schedule marks a significant shift for an artist who has been active since his mid-teens. The health issues encountered during the recent US tour appear to have influenced this decision. While the physical demands of constant travel and nightly performances are ending, Stewart’s engagement with music through recording and occasional appearances is expected to continue. This move allows him to preserve his legacy while managing his well-being.
Fans across Europe will have the opportunity to see Stewart perform in arenas over a four-month period starting in April 2027. The tour represents the culmination of a career that has seen him evolve from a folk duo member to a global rock star. As he prepares for this final run, the focus remains on delivering a memorable experience for audiences who have followed his work for decades. The announcement underscores the natural conclusion of a long and successful chapter in music history.
The details of the tour schedule provide a clear roadmap for the final leg of Stewart’s touring career. With dates spread across multiple countries, the tour offers a broad geographic reach. The inclusion of major venues ensures large audiences can attend. As the music industry watches this milestone, it highlights the changing landscape for veteran artists who must balance artistic passion with physical limitations. Stewart’s decision reflects a pragmatic approach to his remaining years in the public eye.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Rod Stewart announces final tour for 2027: ‘Most definitely my last’
