Rod Stewart Throws Shade At Elton John Over Final Tour

Elton John Jimmy Kimmel Live! Rod Stewart Watch What Happens Live!

Rod Stewart isn't typically one to throw shade these days, but that's exactly what he just did. During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live!, Stewart decided to give fellow musician Elton John a piece of his mind. In particular, Stewart seemed to indicate he is not a fan of John's recently-announced final tour. Stewart talked to host Andy Cohen about Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which starts in September and continues through 2021. While John and Stewart are friends, that didn't stop the singer-songwriter from getting candid about John's latest stunt.

Talking about retirement, I've never spoken about retirement, and if I do retire, I won't make an announcement. I'll just fade away. I don't think this big deal, 'I'm going to retire' -- it stinks of selling tickets... it's dishonest. It's not rock and roll.

Elton John's publicity decision rubbed Rod Stewart the wrong way for one very specific reason: he believes Elton John is not staying true to his craft. He even told Andy Cohen on his show that he doesn't feel what Stewart is doing is honest, which is pretty blunt.

Rod Stewart is certainly not playing nice here, but when you're friends with someone as long as Rod Stewart and Elton John have been, you're bound to tell the truth about each other. It's not clear if John is taking these words to heart, or if he's focusing his attention on his farewell tour instead. In any case, you can watch the clip below and see what you think about Stewart's stern frankness about his longtime friend's recent tour announcement.

Elton John announced one month ago that he plans to call it quits after this latest tour. After 50 years of music-making, the veteran musician said his "priorities have changed" and that his children are his main focus at the moment. Even though John thought he would be "on the road forever" just like Ray Charles and BB King, the Rocket Man himself doesn't want to spend too much time away from the people he loves. Now, how touring for the next three years is going to allow him to have more time with his kids is anyone's guess, but John has a plan and he's planning to stick with it. Also, he isn't cutting himself off creatively either. Elton John admits that he'll keep doing different projects, but he's "not going to travel" anymore after this final tour.

When pressed further about the matter, here's what Elton John said in a recent interview.

It is all about them. I love my boys. I hate being away from them, and I've had so many wonderful memories from touring. I have done over 4,000 shows, and I love performing, but I love my sons more.

Elton John's The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour begins in Allentown, Pennsylvania on September 8th. He can currently be seen in a string of shows in Las Vegas throughout the months of April and May. Elton John is also an executive producer on Sherlock Gnomes, which hits theaters this weekend. He's also helping with The Lion King remake. Meanwhile, Rod Stewart is also touring at the moment. Tonight, the musician is rocking out in Toronto.

Elton John announced his goodbye tour, although Rod Stewart doesn't believe it, via a youtube video. Along with the announcement came a conversation with Anderson Cooper about his career, and decision to stop going on tour in order to properly focus on his family. Check it out below.

Will Ashton

Will is an entertainment writer based in Pittsburgh, PA. His writing can also be found in The Playlist, Cut Print Film, We Got This Covered, The Young Folks, Slate and other outlets. He also co-hosts the weekly film/TV podcast Cinemaholics with Jon Negroni and he likes to think he's a professional Garfield enthusiast.