'The time has come': Rod Stewart, 81, announces his FINAL UK tour after coronary stent operation

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

Rod Stewart has announced 'The Final Encore' tour of the UK and Europe, his last-ever run of arena shows after more than six decades on the road. The 81-year-old was forced to cancel the remainder of his US tour last month after undergoing a coronary stent procedure, and confirmed with 'sadness' that next year's run will definitively end his touring career.

The tour kicks off in Dublin on April 23, 2027, with UK dates in Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London, before closing in Hannover, Germany, in July.

Stewart insists he is 'not retiring' and still has Red Rocks, Colorado dates scheduled for September 2027, rescheduled from a US leg cut short when he nearly fainted on stage.

Wife Lady Penny Lancaster says he will 'come back stronger than ever' — Howard Jones will support him on the UK and Ireland dates.