Stewart announces what is “probably his last” UK tour – “or maybe not”

Some of us have been pushing this thought far from our minds for years, even as the moment drew ever closer: Rod Stewart retiring? Never!
But now it seems the end is drawing nearer, at least for his touring career. In an interview with the radio station TalkSport, which initially focused on Celtic FC winning the league title, Sir Rod revealed what he had already casually mentioned back in November: next year, he will go on tour once more in his home country, the UK.
“I’m going on tour in the UK next year, performing at the O2 Arena (in London), and that’ll probably be it, I think,” the singer told the station, which he joined via telephone.
But first, there are still a few shows lined up this year. Starting with a private gig in Monaco this week, from where the singer will then travel straight to Las Vegas in the US. “I’m flying to Vegas for seven concerts there and then about ten more. I’ve got about 40 gigs this year. That’s not really enough,” laughs the now 81-year-old.
But everyone can breathe a sigh of relief; Rod won’t be disappearing from the stage entirely after next year’s UK tour. “I’ll have to come up with something new then, perhaps appear on your show more often.” Stewart then explained: “I’d like to move on to a ‘Great American Songbook, Swing Fever’ tour the year after next – smaller venues and more intimacy.”
However, Stewart left the door open for a possible U-turn and concluded with the words: “But then again, maybe not…”