Rod Stewart announces his retirement

Rod Stewart is retiring after more than 60 years on stage,

The 81-year-old Maggie May singer – who has scrapped a number of shows due to health problems – has announced he will quit life on the road for good after one final tour that will run from April until June 2027.

Stewart confirmed his plans in an emotional statement in which he thanked his fans for giving him such an “extraordinary life”.

“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,” he wrote.

“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.”

Stewart’s final tour – The Final Encore – kicks off in Dublin, Ireland on April 23.

He will perform in cities including Manchester, London, Berlin and Prague before wrapping the shows in Hannover, Germany on July 24.

Stewart 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 heart surgery last month to allow himself time to recover.

His spokesperson said in a statement: “Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Stewart 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 Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? hit maker was said to have been “feeling better and very much on the mend”, and apologised to fans for cancelling his tour.