MUSIC legend Sir Rod Stewart made a major career announcement tonight – revealing plans to scale back his performces.
The Maggie May singer said he has no intention of retiring from the stage altogether.
Sir Rod Stewart has announced[/caption]
Penny Lancaster Stewart and Sir Rod Stewart in Las Vegas in August[/caption]
In a statement to his fans on Thursday, Sir Rod, who has had both prostate and thyroid cancer, said: “This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire.
“I love what I do, and I do what I love.”
The rock icon added that he remains in remarkable shape.
He reassured fans: “I’m fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100 meters in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79.”
Sir Rod revealed plans for a possible Great American Songbook, Swing Fever tour in smaller, more intimate venues.
He said: “I’d like to move onto a Great American Songbook, Swing Fever tour the year after next—smaller venues and more intimacy.”
But the unpredictable showman left room for doubt adding: “But then again, I may not…”
Fans flooded the comments section of his post, and one joked: “If you ever need a cheeky nurse I’m your gal. Thanks for all of the music Sir Rod”.
Another asked: “Maybe some time for The Faces? I’ll be there whichever you choose Rod.”
As he kicked off his last run of Las Vegas shows after 13 years there, the Sailing singer told The Sun he’ll make full use of the “final 15 years” of his life and party into his 90s.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun in April, Rod 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.
“I say few — probably another 15. I can do that easy mate, easy.”
As he finished his final residency, The Hits, at The Colosseum, Caesars Palace, Rod insisted he still “goes mad” on the booze after each show, encouraging his dancers and musicians to knock it back.
Rod added: “I’m not like I was in the ’70s and ’80s and I can’t stay up all night, get drunk and go mad and still have a voice just like that.
“Nowadays I have to protect my voice before and after every show.
“The older you get, the more you have to do that. Water has a hell of a lot to do with it. But no, you think I just have water on my rider?
“You’re talking to Rod Stewart here, mate. We go mad after every show. There are 13 of us, six women, really great musicians and I make them drink. We absolutely love it.”
