Sir Rod Stewart has announced he will no longer perform large-scale arena tours, opting instead for smaller, more intimate venues. At 79, the singer shared the news in a social media post that left fans both nostalgic and excited for what might come next.
While Stewart made it clear this wasn’t the end of his live performances, the shift marks a significant change in the scale and style of his touring. He plans to focus on performing songs from The Great American Songbook series, and Swing Fever, an album he recorded with Jools Holland, in smaller venues starting in 2026.
“Smaller venues and more intimacy,” he explained. However, Stewart left fans guessing, adding with characteristic cheek, “But then again, I may not [stop touring]…”
Although he hasn’t explicitly detailed his reasons, Stewart hinted at age playing a role in his decision. In a recent interview with The Sun, he admitted, “I am more aware of my health now than before. You should be when you’re getting on.”
Stewart has spent decades on the road, beginning his touring career in the late 1960s as a member of the Jeff Beck Group. His first major solo tour came in 1977, where he performed 51 dates across North America, 10 in Australia and New Zealand, and 6 in the UK.
Source: Setlist.fm
Fans have been overwhelmingly positive about the announcement, celebrating Stewart’s commitment to performing despite stepping back from arenas.
Thanks for the memories Rod – all the way from the Glasgow Apollo in 1974 onwards . Looking forward to whatever comes next — Margaret Gray (@Stoneygray1) November 20, 2024
Stewart’s decision aligns with a trend among veteran musicians seeking more personal and stripped-back performances. Jonathan Richman famously transitioned to intimate acoustic shows to protect his hearing, and others, such as Sting and Noel Gallagher, have performed at smaller venues like Halifax’s Piece Hall, a historic location not traditionally associated with headline-worthy acts.
For now, Stewart has a busy schedule through 2025, with two American tours and a European tour culminating in his last large-scale show on August 15 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St Louis. Beyond that, fans will still be hoping for setlists filled with iconic hits like ‘Maggie May’, ‘Young Turks’, and ‘The First Cut is the Deepest’, even if they are more streamlined.
Rod Stewart’s move away from arena tours marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter for him. His pivot to smaller venues promises a more intimate way to experience his timeless hits, and at 79, Rod the Mod is proving he’s still as energetic and unpredictable as ever. Fans will be hoping for performances like this one, taken from his MTV Unplugged session.
