Sir Rod Stewart, 80, makes rare retirement admission as he issues powerful statement: ‘Put on the earth to sing!’
Sir Rod Stewart has opened up about the possibility of retirement as speculation around the future of the iconic rocker has circled in recent months.
The 80-year-old singer’s announcement came as he prepared for the release of his upcoming Ultimate Hits album.
Stewart has spoken candidly about retirement in the past, announcing plans to scale back global tours late last year.
However, the Maggie May hitmaker has thrilled fans with the news he has no plans to call it quits on his glittering career just yet.
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Taking to Instagram, the music legend declared: “I shall never retire!”
“I was put on this earth to be a singer and will keep doing so for as long as the good lord lets me,” he continued defiantly.
Alongside the post, Stewart shared an image of himself strutting the stage and beaming while sporting a signature cheetah print jacket.
His announcement was followed by an outpouring of support from fans, with one writing: “That’s why we love you so much Sir Rod!”
“Love you, Rod! Keep going. Love your music,” another glowed.
A third praised: “That’s the best news Rod! Woohoo!!! Loving your music.” (sic)
The news follows the announcement of Stewart’s Ultimate Hits album, where he teased: “I’m thrilled to let you know that The Ultimate Hits collection is now available for pre-order and it’s coming your way June 27th!
“It’s packed with the classics you know and love. Pre-order now and be ready to sing along when it drops,” he wrote on Saturday.
The updates will come as a great relief to fans who have been wondering about Stewart’s plans for the future after he declared his plans to step back from major tours in November last year.
“This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire,” he wrote on Instagram.
The statement continued: “I love what I do, and I do what I love.
“I’m fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100 meters in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79 (now 80).
“I’d like to move onto a Great American Songbook, Swing Fever tour the year after next – smaller venues and more intimacy.
“But then again, I may not…” the iconic rocker signed off: “The Ambiguous Sir Rod Stewart”.
The statement followed events the rocker was forced to cancel due to health concerns, including strep throat.
Since then, Stewart has continued to commit to more dates as part of his One Last Time tour.
When pressed on his future last year, the icon 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. I am going to be enjoying myself for these last few years as much as I can,” he declared.