United Kingdom, Sept. 28 -- Sir Rod Stewart is retiring after more than 60 years on stage,

The 81-year-old Maggie May star - who has scrapped a number of shows due to health problems recently - has announced he will be quitting life on the road for good after one final tour which will run from April until June 2027.

Rod confirmed his plans in an emotional statement in which he thanked his fans for giving him such an "extraordinary life". He wrote: "My dear friends, The time has come to say farewell to life on the road. After more than six decades, The Final Encore will most definitely be my last.

"I've been singing the music I love since I was 19 years old, and I've had the privilege of taking it around the world to all of you. It has ...