Sir Rod Stewart announces retirement from stages with farewell tour

Sir Rod Stewart is retiring from the stage after a career spanning more than six decades.

The Do You Think I’m Sexy? singer announced the news on social media, adding he will do one final tour to farewell fans.

“After much deliberation and sadness, I have to announce next year will be my last tour forever ever. I’m not retiring but this will be the last rock ‘n roll tour,” he told his 1.7 million followers on Instagram.

“I want to thank you for everything you’ve given me and hopefully I’ve given you something in return,” he told fans, before asking them to join him on his final tour, named “The Final Encore”.

The Sailing singer also issued a statement saying “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,” he said.

He thanked fans “for making this extraordinary life possible”.

This article was first published by the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.