Stephen Bishop announces 2027 farewell tour dates

Stephen Bishop has detailed the 2027 itinerary for his Farewell Tour: 50th Anniversary of Careless. The October 9 announcement lists a U.S. run beginning March 13 at Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum, with David Wilcox as the announced special guest.

The announced route

The published U.S. dates continue through the spring and summer, with the announced run ending August 21 at San Diego’s Balboa Theatre. The itinerary also lists Dublin’s Vicar Street on October 21 and London’s Cadogan Hall on October 23, 2027. Bishop’s official tour page carries the individual venue links and notes that more U.S. shows may be announced.

This is a newly detailed itinerary, rather than the first indication that Bishop would return to the road. He had already discussed farewell touring in a July interview. The tour’s Careless anniversary billing refers to his 1976 debut and the anniversary campaign surrounding it; the concerts themselves are scheduled for 2027.

The guitar story inside Careless

Careless has more than one connection for guitar listeners. Eric Clapton contributed the solo to “Save It for a Rainy Day” and slide guitar to “Sinking in an Ocean of Tears.”

Bishop has recalled recording the album with his 1969 Martin D-28. His later bright-blue acoustic is a different instrument: in the July interview, he identified it as his 1984 Ferrington Stephen Bishop model. The Martin belongs to the original album’s story; the Ferrington is the later stage companion.

The anniversary edition of Careless is already available, with remastering by Bernie Grundman and the previously unreleased “I Don’t Know You Anymore” and “Back Again.” The new dates extend that retrospective onto the stage. Check the official itinerary for current ticket availability and any additions.

See the official tour dates and venue ticket links

Want to dig deeper into Eric Clapton’s guitars and tone? Read our full guide.

Stephen Bishop. Photo: Alan Mercer, supplied by Shore Fire Media for editorial use. Resized and padded.