Beloved '70s Singer-Songwriter Comes Out of Retirement After 7-Year Hiatus

A beloved singer-songwriter from the '70s and '80s will soon be stepping back into the spotlight for the first time in years after previously announcing his retirement from touring. The Oscar and Grammy-nominated artist behind several recognizable hits, Stephen Bishop, will return to the stage after a seven-year absence.

From Retirement to Return: Stephen Bishop's Surprising Comeback

On March 14, 2026, Stephen Bishop shared details about his return to the stage for a pair of September 2026 concerts. He wrote: "After seven years away from the road, I’m returning to the stage this September, and it all begins with two nights at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado, on September 12 and 13, 2026."

He will share the stage with two other famous singers. "I’ll be performing with two of my longtime friends and legendary songwriters, Jimmy Webb and David Pack, for what will feel less like a concert and more like an evening with all of us, songs, stories, and a lot of history shared on one beautiful stage." Bishop also noted that his comeback will last beyond his announced September shows. "There will be more shows announced in the future."

The news will come as a shock to many fans since Bishop previously announced he was retiring from touring back in October 2024. "After much thought, I’ve decided to officially retire from touring… I know many of you were hoping for the postponed dates to be rescheduled after the COVID-19 pandemic, and while I won’t be hitting the road again, I’m excited to make it up to you with a virtual concert in the near future."

Given Bishop's previous decision to retire, that naturally raises an obvious question. Why did he decide to return to the stage? In a January 2026 X post, Bishop credited his wife with persuading him to return. "After a seven year hiatus from touring, my wife has convinced me to come out of retirement and return to the stage."

Stephen Baldwin's Years Long String of Hit Songs

From 1976 to 1984, Stephen Bishop had six songs reach the Billboard Hot 100. His most successful song, "On and On," peaked at No. 11 and spent 28 weeks on the chart. The singer's other tracks that reached the chart were "Save It For A Rainy Day," "It Might Be You," "Everybody Needs Love," "Animal House," and "Unfaithfully Yours (Our Love)."

Beyond the hit songs, Bishop also earned critical acclaim. During the 20th Annual Grammy Awards, he was nominated for Best New Artist of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, for his song "On and On." He was also nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar for writing "Separate Lives (Love Theme From White Nights)" which was performed by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin. A song Bishop performed from the movie Tootsie, "It Might Be You," was nominated for an Oscar. But, since he didn't write that track, he wasn't personally in the running that time.