9 Bands That Had a ‘Farewell Tour’ and Then Kept Touring Anyway

Many classic rock bands have announced farewell tours, only to return to the stage later. Here are nine bands that said goodbye but couldn’t stay away.

1. Kiss

In 2000, Kiss embarked on a Farewell Tour, signaling the end of their touring days. However, by 2003, they were back on the road, co-headlining with Aerosmith. Despite original guitarist Ace Frehley’s departure, the band continued performing with new members. Their 2019 End of the Road World Tour was announced as their final stint, but as of 2023, they remain active, showing that farewells aren’t always permanent.

2. The Who

The Who declared their first farewell tour in 1982, concluding with a performance in Toronto. Despite this, they reunited in 1985 for Live Aid and continued to tour in the following decades. Their ongoing performances demonstrate that their initial farewell was more of a pause than a definitive end.

3. Scorpions

In 2010, Scorpions announced their farewell tour, intending to retire afterward. Yet, by 2012, they had reconsidered, citing a resurgence of creativity and fan demand. They have since released new albums and continue to tour, illustrating that their passion for music endures.

4. Mötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe signed a “cessation of touring” agreement before their 2014-2015 farewell tour, vowing never to tour again. However, in 2019, they voided the agreement, citing renewed band camaraderie and fan interest. Their return to touring showcases the unpredictable nature of rock bands and their farewells.

5. Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne embarked on the No More Tours tour in 1992, suggesting retirement from touring. Nevertheless, he returned to the stage in 1995 with the Retirement Sucks tour and has continued to perform since, proving that his initial farewell was far from final.

6. Judas Priest

In 2011, Judas Priest announced the Epitaph World Tour as their farewell to large-scale touring. Despite this, they continued to tour and release new music, indicating that their farewell was not as definitive as initially thought.

7. Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails declared a farewell to touring in 2009, only to return to the stage in 2013. Their subsequent tours and performances highlight that farewells in the music industry are often subject to change.

8. Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd announced The Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour in 2018, intending to retire from touring. However, they continued to perform beyond the tour’s conclusion, demonstrating that farewell tours don’t always mark the end.

9. Status Quo

Status Quo embarked on their Last Night of the Electrics tour in 2016, signaling a move away from electric shows. Yet, they returned to electric performances shortly after, showing that farewells can be flexible.