Rod Stewart announces major milestone as he finally retires from touring: ‘The time has come’

In an emotional statement released on Monday, Stewart addressed his supporters directly: “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.”

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He continued: “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.”

The farewell tour launches on April 23 at Dublin’s 3Arena, with a date at Belfast’s SSE Arena following on April 27.

From there, Mr Stewart will perform across the UK and mainland Europe, taking in venues including The O2 in London, Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome and Berlin’s Uber Arena.

A Scandinavian leg includes Copenhagen on June 6, Sweden’s Dalhalla limestone quarry on June 11, and Norwegian stops in Trondheim and Bergen on June 13 and 15 respectively.

The run concludes at Hannover’s ZAG Arena on July 24.

Eighties synth-pop artist Howard Jones will serve as support act for the Irish and UK dates.

General sale tickets become available on October 2 via Mr Stewart’s website, with various presale windows opening beforehand.

The announcement follows a turbulent period for the rocker’s health.

He was forced to abandon the remaining dates of his US and Mexico tour last month after undergoing a procedure to have a coronary stent fitted.

Earlier in the year, he had also pulled out of several concerts owing to a sinus infection, respiratory illness and laryngitis.

His wife, Penny Lancaster, told the Press Association that Stewart would “come back stronger than ever” after his heart procedure.

She described the intensity of his stage presence, comparing him to “a boxer coming out of his dressing room on the way to the ring” and noting that he performs at full tilt for nearly two hours with four costume changes.

Ms Lancaster added that doctors had advised a gradual return to fitness, but said: “He’s going to come back stronger than ever.”

Mr Stewart’s musical journey began in the early 1960s, when he busked on London’s streets alongside guitarist Wizz Jones.

He went on to gain prominence as a member of The Jeff Beck Group and the Faces before establishing himself as one of Britain’s most successful solo artists, with hits such as You Wear It Well, Sailing and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?

Despite the finality suggested by the tour’s name, Mr Stewart was keen to draw a distinction in a video message posted to Instagram on Monday.

“I am not retiring but this will be my last rock and roll tour,” he told fans.

He expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career, saying: “Thank you for everything you have given me and hopefully I have given you something in return.”