Rod Stewart has hinted that his forthcoming UK tour in 2027 could mark the end of his live performances on British soil, despite previously insisting he would “never retire”.
Speaking to Talksport on Sunday, the veteran rocker appeared to make a surprising U-turn as he reflected on his future in music.
Discussing plans for another London performance, Mr Stewart said: “I’ve got the O2 next year. That’ll probably be it, I think.
"I’ll have to do something new, come on your show more often, maybe.”
Sir Rod Stewart suggested he may stop performing in the UK
| GETTYNo official dates for the 2027 UK tour have yet been announced.
The comments come little more than a year after the Maggie May singer defiantly declared on social media: “I shall never retire!”
At the time, Mr Stewart insisted he had been “put on this earth to be a singer” and vowed to continue performing “for as long as the good lord lets me”.
The 81-year-old previously clarified that his ongoing One Last Time tour would signal “the end of large-scale world tours” rather than a complete retirement from music.
Since launching the farewell tour in 2024, Mr Stewart has continued performing extensively across the globe, with the run spanning more than two years and including a widely praised legends slot performance at Glastonbury Festival last summer.
Mr Stewart's forthcoming UK tour in 2027 could mark the end of his live performances on British soil
| GETTYHis star-studded Glastonbury appearance saw him joined on stage by fellow music icons Ronnie Wood, Mick Hucknall and Lulu.
Despite discussing scaling back his touring schedule, Mr Stewart admitted he still thrives on performing live and has no intention of slowing down completely.
The rocker outlined his packed schedule for the remainder of the year, revealing he still has around 40 Las Vegas residency shows planned alongside a private engagement in Monte Carlo.
He also has more than 20 performances scheduled across the US before the year concludes.
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The singer previously said he will never retire
|GETTY
However, Mr Stewart joked that 40 shows annually was “not really enough”.
Speaking candidly about the thrill of performing, the singer explained: “There’s nothing like it, there’s no drink, alcohol, or drug that’ll give you that buzz.
“To see all those smiling faces out there, seeing them all happy, it’s just God’s gift.”
Mr Stewart has repeatedly acknowledged the realities of ageing in recent years while remaining determined to continue entertaining audiences for as long as possible.
Last year, the singer said: “I’m aware my days are numbered but I’ve got no fear.
“We have all got to pass on at some point, so we are all in the same basket."
He continued: "I am going to be enjoying myself for these last few years as much as I can.”
Sir Rod Stewart, with his partner of 26 years, Penny Lancaster
|GETTY
Away from stadium and arena performances, the iconic performer has previously teased plans for a more intimate future direction.
Mr Stewart said he was interested in embarking on a Great American Songbook and Swing Fever-style tour in smaller venues, offering audiences a more personal experience.
Signing off one retirement statement last year, he jokingly dubbed himself: “The Ambiguous Sir Rod Stewart.”