© 2026 ABC News

\"I've never spoken about retirement, and if I do retire, I won't make an announcement, I'll just fade away,\" he told host Andy Cohen.

\"PHOTO:
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
PHOTO: Elton John performs on stage during the "Elton John: I'm Still Standing - A GRAMMY Salute" concert at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, Jan. 30, 2018.
>

Speaking generally of the practice of musicians announcing their retirement, Stewart said, \"[Making] this big deal -- 'I'm going to retire' -- it so stinks of selling tickets.\"

When Lauper jokingly suggested that she and Rod pretend they're retiring in order to boost ticket sales, Rod really slammed the whole idea.

Italy and Austria, I’ll be seeing you in 2019 with the #EltonFarewellTour! You can get more info from the link on my bio. #FarewellYellowBrickRoad #Italy #Austria #farewelltour

A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Mar 7, 2018 at 3:54am PST

\"It's dishonest,\" he said. \"It's not rock and roll.\"

Stewart did defend John for walking off stage recently after a fan joined the icon and attempted to grope him while he was singing.

\"I sort of understand,\" he said. \"I can see why he got pissed off.\"

Stewart's currently touring Canada and his summer tour with Lauper kicks off June 25 at the Hollywood Bowl.

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