Stephen Bishop Will Return for a 2027 Farewell Tour as Careless Marks 50 Years

Stephen Bishop is heading back to the stage for one more run. The singer-songwriter, known for hits including On and On and It Might Be You, has announced a 2027 farewell tour that arrives alongside a 50th anniversary spotlight on his debut album, Careless.

The change is simple: Bishop, who had retired from performing, plans to tour again in 2027 for what is being billed as a Farewell Tour. The first announced dates begin March 13 in Phoenix at the Musical Instrument Museum and continue through U.S. stops in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, New Jersey and California. A U.K. and Ireland leg is scheduled for October, with dates listed for Dublin on Oct. 21 and London on Oct. 23. More U.S. shows are still to come.

David Wilcox will appear in support on the tour. Bishop is also expected to mix stories with performances of his best-known songs, backed by an all-star band.

For fans of late 1970s through 1980s pop culture, the set list has plenty of familiar material to draw from. Bishop is identified with songs including On and On, Save It for a Rainy Day, It Might Be You from Tootsie, Separate Lives from White Nights and Animal House. He also had an on-screen moment in 1978's National Lampoon's Animal House, appearing opposite John Belushi as Charming Guy With Guitar.

Why Careless is part of the story

The farewell run is tied directly to the 50th anniversary edition of Careless, Bishop's debut album, originally released in 1976. The updated vinyl edition was released before the tour announcement and includes two bonus tracks, a newly created full-color cover, and liner notes for the first time, along with unreleased photos.

A newly designed gatefold package and a 20-page booklet are also part of the anniversary release. The booklet contains rare and previously unseen photographs, archival material and Bishop's first-ever liner notes, including his own reflections on the album.

Careless helped establish Bishop's recording career and featured guest appearances from Art Garfunkel, Eric Clapton and Chaka Khan. Clapton played electric slide guitar on Sinking in an Ocean of Tears and the guitar solo on Save It for a Rainy Day.

The announcement adds another chapter to a long catalog. Bishop is an Oscar nominee and a two-time Grammy nominee who has written more than 650 songs, released 20 albums and sold more than 15 million records. Clapton and Garfunkel also returned as guests on Bishop's 2025 album THIMK, which also included Graham Nash, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross and Jimmy Webb.