Rod Stewart Says “The Time Has Come” as He Announces Final Ever Tour.

Rod Stewart has announced his final ever tour, bringing more than six decades of life on the road to an end.

The 81-year-old will head out on The Final Encore in 2027, playing shows across the UK and Europe including Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London's O2 Arena.

Announcing the news, Stewart said: “The time has come to say farewell to life on the road.” He added that after more than six decades, The Final Encore will “most definitely” be his last tour.

However, this isn't quite retirement. Stewart has made it clear that he isn't walking away from music altogether, describing this specifically as his final rock 'n' roll tour. Occasional performances and new music could therefore still be on the cards.

The UK dates include:

29 April – Glasgow, OVO Hydro

4 May - Birmingham, Utilita Arena

6 May – Manchester, Co-op Live

11 May – London, The O2

Howard Jones will support Stewart on the UK dates, with general ticket sales beginning at 10am on Friday 2 October.

After a career on the road stretching back to the 1960s, it looks like one of British rock's great live careers really is approaching its final curtain.