Sir Rod Stewart reveals he is retiring from touring

It will be the end of an era ...

But Sir Rod Stewart has announced he is retiring from touring after next year.

While the 'Maggie May' singer has no plans to give up his music career, he does intend to slow down and spend more time with his family.

Speaking to the Daily Record, the 77-year-old said: "Next year will be the end of my rock 'n' roll touring. I want to do something different. It feels like an end of an era. All things must come to an end.

"I’m not retiring and I still love singing, I just want to do something new. I might do a few folk clubs playing guitar. Just be different."

He continued: "I don't want to do the big tours any more, especially in America. It takes me away from my kids for so long.

"It used to be OK because it was fun and games. It is still fun and games but I miss my kids so much.

"I’ve got one more year doing big gigs in South America, Australia, a Las Vegas residency, some more in England and a couple in Edinburgh."

The father-of-eight – whose youngest sons are 16-year-old Alastair and Aiden, 10 – will kick off what he claims will be his last stadium tour of the UK in Nottingham on November 16.