Rod Stewart says he wants to 'leave rock 'n' roll stuff behind'
He's already recorded music in a different genre
Last updated 9th Jun 2023
'Maggie May' singer Rod Stewart has surprised fans by revealing he wants to "leave rock and roll stuff behind". The singer, who has recently welcomed two grandchildren, opened up in an interview.
Speaking to Charlie Stayt, on BBC Breakfast, Rod explained: "I am actually stopping (rock 'n' roll). I’m not retiring but I want to move on... I had great success with 'The Great American Songbook' and I’ve just done a swing album with Jools Holland, which is going to come out next year, so I want to go in that direction.
"So I just want to leave all the rock ‘n’ roll stuff behind, for a while maybe... Everything has to come to an end sooner or later."
Rod then added: "I’m really looking forward to doing something else, especially singing with Jools’ band, it borders on rock ‘n’ roll anyway, it’s just not 'Maggie May' and 'Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?'."
Rod, who is due to start his summer 2023 UK tour later this month, was joined in the interview with Boy George, who is supporting him on tour.
Both singers revealed they're both fans of each others' music, with Boy George reminiscing about the first time they met. "I remember, because I was playing in LA and Rob was there, and I was like 'oh my god, Rod Stewart is there'."
When asked if the pair might work together Rod revealed: "We're going to try and to a song together if we've got time to work one out," he said, talking about his upcoming tour.
With a smile on his face, Rod said: "He’s going to come out and do 'Sailing' with me and I’m going to do 'Karma Chameleon'."
Then, Boy George joked: "I’m going to come out dressed as a sailor."
Charlie then asked if they have worked out what song they'll perform, Rod admitted they haven't, but they've got "plenty of time, we will."
Boy George then added he'd love to sing 'The Killing Of Georgie' with Rod as his mum bought it for him as a kid.
When is Rod Stewart on tour?
Rod, supported by Boy George & Culture Club begins his tour in Plymouth on Saturday 24th June, and will be performing seven dates in total across the UK.
You can hear songs by Rod Stewart on Greatest Hits Radio.
Take a look through tours to look forward to in 2023 and beyond:
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, Westlife revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast.
Stevie Wonder
'Superstition' singer Stevie Wonder has announced his 'Songs In The Key of Life Performances - 50th Anniversary Tour', including four UK dates starting in October 2026 and continuing into November. He will be playing at Birmingham, London, Manchester and Glasgow.
Duran Duran
Duran Duran, who released 'Free To Love' with Nile Rodgers earlier this year, will be performing five dates in the UK, in Glasgow, Belfast, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds, starting in Glasgow on 15th October 2026.
The Stylistics
'Betcha by Golly, Wow' singers, The Stylistics, have announced a huge tour for 2026 in October and November. They will be playing 22 dates across the UK.
Heaven 17
Heaven 17 have announced a tour to celebrate the release of their debut album 'Penthouse and Pavement', which as released in September 1981. The band will start their tour in early October 2026, with a date at Wolverhampton' Wulfrun Hall, before they travel to locations such as London, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Liverpool and a homecoming gig at Sheffield's Octagon on Sunday 18th October.
Transvision Vamp
The band, fronted by Wendy James, will play dates across the UK, starting in Newcastle on 6th October 2026, before continuing to venues in Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Manchester, London and many more. They will end their tour in Belfast on 1st November.
Paul Heaton
Paul Heaton has announced he will be going on tour later this year, in October and November. The former Housemartins and Beautiful South singer also announced a new album called 'Jenius', and the lead single 'Favourite Kind Of Idiot'. He will also be playing several gigs over summer 2027.
Tony Hadley
Tony Hadley will be heading out on 'The Christmas Big Band Tour 2026', taking place in November and December 2026. Announcing news of his new tour, Tony told his fans: 'Following the huge success of last year's sold-out tour, The Fabulous TH Band and I are heading back out on the road this November and December for the Christmas Big Band Tour!'
He will perform songs by legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley, along with big band versions of Spandau Ballet's 'True', 'Gold', and 'Through The Barricades'.
Del Amitri
The tour, called 'Past to Present - Four Decades of Their Greatest Music', will open at Leeds O2 Academy on Monday 9th November, and wrap up with two homecoming shows at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom on Sunday 6th and Tuesday 8th December.
Culture Club
In May 2026, Culture Club announced they would be heading out on 'The Singles Tour' with very special guests ABC and Haircut 100. The band start their tour in Bournemouth on Monday 7th December, continuing throughout the month, ending at The O2 Arena on Saturday 19th December 2026.
Jack Whitehall
Jack Whitehall hosted the BRIT Awards in February 2026, and will be going on his 'Bad Influence' tour in January and February 2027 across the UK. The tour will start in Newcastle on 7th January 2027, and will see the comedian perform across the UK, finally ending in a month later in Derby.
Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde has announced a 13-date UK tour in March 2027. She will be joined by 'I Think We're Alone Now' singer Tiffany. Kim will start her tour in Bristol on 12th March, before travelling across the country and finishing her tour in York on 28th March 2027.
Gabrielle
Gabrielle will be going on a headline tour in March and April 2027, performing at locations such as Portsmouth, Glasgow, Bradford, Newcastle, Bath, London, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester and many more. This new tour will mark an exciting new chapter for the singer, who rose to fame following the success of her debut single 'Dreams' in 1993 and her landmark 1999 album 'Rise'.
Wet Wet Wet
Wet Wet Wet will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their debut album 'Popped In Souled Out' with a 40-date UK tour in 2027. The run is split across February and October, beginning on 7th February in Watford and wrapping up on 29th October in Portsmouth, with one October date still to be announced.
Across the shows, they'll perform songs from the milestone album alongside a set packed with career favourites, including hits that helped define their pop success. Select dates will also feature special guests including Roachford, Nick Heyward, Rebecca Ferguson, Heather Small, Johnny Hates Jazz, The Christians and The South.
Francis Rossi
Status Quo legend Francis Rossi has extended his 'Songbook: Quo – Past, Present, Future' UK tour into 2027. He has announced dates throughout March, April and May 2027.
Simple Minds
Simple Minds have announced a May 2027 UK arena tour with very special guest Gary Numan. The band's 'V Tour' 2027 is billed as a 'panoramic live music experience' and 'an all-encompassing celebration of music across 5 decades.'
Chris De Burgh
Chris De Burgh has announced a new tour for 2027. The 'Lady In Red' singer will be starting his eight-date tour in Bath Forum, on 6th May, before he visits Bournemouth, London (for two dates), Leicester, Basingstoke, and Harrowgate before ending his tour on 17th May in Liverpool.
John Bishop
Comedian John Bishop is set to go on tour in 2027, and the tickets are still available to buy now. John will start his 2027 UK and Ireland tour in April in Leeds, continuing across the country including gigs in Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and more. Finally he will end his tour in Ireland on 16th May 2027.
Don Mclean
'American Pie' singer Don Mclean has announced he will be doing one last tour across the UK. 'The Farewell Tour' will take place in May 2027, starting in Glasgow on Tuesday 11th May, before moving onto Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and more, finishing in London.
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart has announced a four-date tour for April and May 2027. The 'Maggie May' singer will be starting his UK tour in Glasgow on Thursday 29th April, before moving onto Birmingham, Manchester and London – finishing at The O2 on Tuesday 11th May.
Erasure
Erasure have announced a huge tour for 2027. The 'Radio!! Radio!! Tour' will be starting in Cardiff on Sunday 25th April, and continuing for three weeks, ending in The O2 arena in London on Wednesday 12th May.
Rewind-On-Sea at Dreamland Margate
Rewind-On-Sea, taking place at Dreamland Margate next year, has a huge line-up including Marc Almond, Nik Kershaw, Heather Small, Roland Gift, Chesney Hawkes and Altered Images.
Now read:
Boy George & Culture Club added to Rod Stewart's UK tour
Rod Stewart welcomes two grandchildren within a couple of days
Rod Stewart: A guide to his legendary career through the years