Rod Stewart has very publicly shut down any confusion on him planning to retire, putting out a defiant statement on Twitter, ahead of his gig in Chester-le-Street this weekend.
Rod is the music legend that has been in the music business for six decades now, giving us classic anthems like Maggie May, Sailing, Tonight's The Night and Baby Jane. And, the man is also responsible for hits like Downtown Train, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy and Hot Legs, is heading to County Durham this week, for an outdoor show at Chester-le-Street's Riverside ground.
Always a popular guy when he comes up to the North East, Rod will be supported by music icons Culture Club, as fans get set for an evening of some serious throwbacks and singalongs. Rod has come back to the UK after a successful resident in Las Vegas, however, his first gig back on home soil, didn't go entirely to plan on Saturday, when his show in Plymouth came to an abrupt end.
READ MORE: Rod Stewart concert 'cut short' days before music icon's Chester-le-Street gig
Sources who were at the Home Park gig claim that Rod 'stormed off stage' after being forced to call time on his performance, before he had a chance to do his encore of fan favourite Sailing. Rod has one more concert to do before he arrives in Chester-le-Street, with him all set to play Northampton's Cinchy Stadium on Wednesday evening.
And, as Sir Rod's legions of fans get ready to see him, the singing superstar has taken to Twitter to refute talk he's ready to call it a day. Addressing followers on the social media platform, Rod wrote: "I’d like to clear up any confusion that I may have caused with my dear fans and the media. 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. I’ll be playing the hits as advertised for the UK, US, South America and Vegas and into 2024 but no retirement as such."
He continued: "During recent interviews, I’ve mentioned my newest passion is big band/swing music and when we wrap this greatest hits tour, it’s something I’m very eager to share with you .I could never turn my back on the songs that I’ve written and and sung over the last six decades. They are like my children. I created them and I love them. I'll always come back to them, just like I did after The Great American Songbook series, which I shall boastfully add, sold 26 million albums!"
Offering further assurances to any fans who may be concerned that he's ready to put down the microphone, Rod ended the statement by adding: "I look forward to seeing you on the road with all the hits, and I can't wait to introduce you to my new swing album next year.
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