"The time has come to say farewell." Rod Stewart announces final ever tour for 2027

Rod Stewart crooning on stage — (Image credit: Denise Truscello)

Rock icon Rod Stewart has announced that he is retiring from touring for good, with his final shows due to take place next year. Taking in shows across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, Rod's farewell tour - dubbed The Final Encore - will kick off on April 23 in Dublin, before finishing up on July 24 in Hannover.

“My dear friends, The time has come to say farewell to life on the road," says the man himself in a statement accompanying the news. "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. So, may I take this opportunity to thank you for making this extraordinary life possible. I hope you’ll join me.

Rod Stewart Final Encore tour dates 2027

Apr 23 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland

Apr 27 SSE Arena, Belfast, UK

Apr 29 OVO Hydro, Glasgow, UK

May 4 Utilita Arena, Birmingham, UK

May 6 Co-op Live, Manchester, UK

May 11 The O2, London, UK

May 28 Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, Netherlands

May 29 AFAS Dome, Antwerp, Belgium

Jun 1 Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany

Jun 3 PSD Bank Dome, Düsseldorf, Germany

Jun 6 Royal Arena, Copenhagen, Denmark

Jun 9 Veikkaus Arena, Helsinki, Finland

Jun 11 Dalhalla, Rättvik, Sweden

Jun 13 Sverresboro, Trondheim, Norway

Jun 15 Plenen, Bergen, Norway

Jun 18 Sportsarena, Budapest, Hungary

Jun 20 Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany

Jun 22 Pula Arena, Pula, Croatia

Jun 24 O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic

Jul 20 Tauron Arena, Kraków, Poland

Jul 24 ZAG Arena, Hannover, Germany

Merlin was promoted to Executive Editor of Louder in early 2022, following over ten years working at Metal Hammer. While there, he served as Online Editor and Deputy Editor, before being promoted to Editor in 2016. Before joining Metal Hammer, Merlin worked as Associate Editor at Terrorizer Magazine and has written for Classic Rock, Rock Sound, eFestivals and others. Across his career he has interviewed legends including Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, Metallica, Iron Maiden (including getting a trip on Ed Force One courtesy of Bruce Dickinson), Guns N' Roses, KISS, Slipknot, System Of A Down and Meat Loaf. He has also presented and produced the Metal Hammer Podcast, presented the Metal Hammer Radio Show and is probably responsible for 90% of all nu metal-related content making it onto the site.