Seger hangs up guitar after half-century career

Los Angeles : Heartland rocker Bob Seger said Tuesday that he was retiring from touring, announcing final dates after a half-century career. The 73-year-old songwriter -- best known for his hit “Old Time Rock and Roll,” his 1979 tribute to what then already seemed like a retro musical style -- will tour across North America starting in November with a final date on May 2 in Houston.

Seger’s representative said in a statement that the concerts would be his “final tour” but did not elaborate on the reasons. But Seger has repeatedly hinted at retirement and last year underwent surgery for a ruptured disc in his back.

“I hope this pain goes away, ‘cause they can never really guarantee it -— and if it doesn’t, then I’m done, dude,” Seger told the music site Louder earlier this year.