Farewell tours are supposed to be the end of the road. The last bow. The final chord. But in music, goodbyes are often just very dramatic see-you-laters.
Many artists struggle to retire because their identity is deeply intertwined with performance and public connection. For musicians, the stage isn’t just a job—it’s a source of validation, purpose, and emotional release. The adrenaline of live performance, the intimacy of audience feedback, and the structured rhythm of touring often provide stability in an otherwise chaotic life. When that’s taken away, artists can experience a sense of loss akin to grief. Some return not for fame or money, but because stepping away feels like erasing a vital part of who they are.
Here are 10 legendary artists and bands who announced farewell tours… and then came back for more, proving you can’t always get what you want—unless what you want is another tour.
1. Ozzy Osbourne
In 1992, the Prince of Darkness told fans No More Tours—literally. That was the name of his farewell tour. But after a brief break and an MS diagnosis years later, Ozzy returned with Ozzfest, solo tours, a No More Tours II, and just kept going. Turns out, you can’t retire when you are the genre.
2. Cher
Cher’s Living Proof: The Farewell Tour started in 2002… and lasted three years. It was supposed to be the last dance, but in true Cher fashion, she came back with multiple tours, a Vegas residency, and the Here We Go Again Tour in 2018. Retirement? She believes in life after tour.
3. Aerosmith
The Aero-Vederci Baby! tour in 2017 sounded pretty final. Steven Tyler and the boys even hinted at going their separate ways. But Aerosmith just kept walking that way—right into Las Vegas with a residency and their 2023 Peace Out farewell tour. The catch? That tour was postponed. Again.
4. Mötley Crüe
In 2014, they signed a “Cessation of Touring Agreement” and held a press conference to promise it was really over. They even framed it like a legal breakup. But by 2019, the contract was literally blown up, and they were back onstage with Def Leppard. Crüe never really says goodbye—they just hit pause.
5. The Who
Their first farewell tour was all the way back in 1982. That’s over 40 years ago. Since then, they’ve reunited for tours, anniversaries, and albums, often saying each might be the last. But The Who keep coming back—because for Pete and Roger, the substitute for touring just doesn’t cut it.
6. KISS
KISS has been on their End of the Road Tour since 2019. It was billed as the final chapter for the face-painted rock legends. But with new legs, extended dates, and cryptic comments, fans are skeptical. After all, they already did a “farewell” tour back in 2000. This road might never end.
7. Elton John
Elton’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour began in 2018. It was beautiful, emotional, and stretched across five years. But even after his final show in 2023, he’s hinted that he might still do one-offs and charity gigs. When your piano’s still hot and the glasses still sparkle—who can blame him?
8. Barbra Streisand
Barbra has announced farewell performances multiple times, starting in the 1990s. Yet she’s done tours, residencies, and surprise concerts long after. Every farewell feels like a grand Broadway finale—until the curtain rises again. With Babs, you never know when the encore will end.
9. Tina Turner
Tina’s Twenty Four Seven Tour in 2000 was billed as her last. And it was—until 2008, when she returned for her Tina!: 50th Anniversary Tour. It became one of the highest-grossing tours of the year. When you’re simply the best, you don’t go quietly.
10. Garth Brooks
Garth retired in 2001 to focus on family, saying he wouldn’t tour again until his youngest turned 18. But by 2009, he was already doing Vegas shows. Then came full-blown arena tours in 2014 and beyond. Now he’s back again with residencies and stadium shows. So much for that cowboy riding away.
Moral of the story? Never throw away your tour t-shirts. Because in music, the end is just another chance to hit the road. Would you really believe a farewell tour from your favourite artist? Or are you already refreshing Ticketmaster just in case?
