Los Angeles – Long‑time pop‑rock veteran Stephen Bishop is marking a milestone in his career and sharing the news with local fans. The singer‑songwriter’s debut album Careless turns 50 this year, and a limited‑edition vinyl featuring guest performances by Art Garfunkel, Eric Clapton and Chaka Khan has just hit the market.
Back on stage after a seven‑year break
Speaking on the red carpet before his recent downtown Los Angeles show, Bishop said, “I’m feeling good. I feel like it’ll be a happening thing.” He added that his last performance was seven years ago, making this return a special moment for both the artist and the city’s music community.
Early roots and a string of hits
Bishop began writing songs at age 13, citing the Beatles as his primary influence. By 17 he was working at a publishing house, and his big break came when Art Garfunkel recorded two of his songs for the album Breakaway. In 1976 Bishop secured a recording contract and released Careless, spawning the hit single “On and On.” Over the decades he has penned songs for Barbra Streisand, Phil Collins and earned an Oscar nomination in 1986 for “Separate Lives” from the film White Nights.
Recent projects and the “Yacht Rock” legacy
His 2025 album THIMK featured collaborations with Garfunkel, Sting, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Eric Clapton and others. Many of those artists, Bishop notes, helped define the smooth, melodic sound now known as “Yacht Rock.” While the term has been used for about two decades, the music itself dates back to the 1970s and early 1980s. Bishop prefers the label, saying, “I’d rather be part of ‘yacht rock’ than ‘soft rock.’ I hated that term! Yacht rock sounds good. I like most yacht rock songs.”
Farewell tour and a family favorite
Starting in March 2027, Bishop will embark on a farewell tour that runs through October 2027. He promises to play the songs fans love most, with “On and On” highlighted as a centerpiece. The track earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance in 1978 and a nod for Best New Artist the same year. Bishop admits the song has become more challenging to sing over time, noting its high‑note demands.
Beyond the professional accolades, the song holds a personal place in Bishop’s life. He shared that his two‑year‑old son calms down whenever he hears the live version, saying, “He likes it when I play my music. He likes when I play songs in live form.” The family connection adds a heartfelt layer to the upcoming performances.
What fans can expect
Audiences can look forward to a mix of classic hits and newer collaborations, all delivered with the smooth, melodic style that has defined Bishop’s career. The tour will visit major venues across the United States, giving longtime supporters a chance to say goodbye to a beloved figure in the soft‑rock tradition.
For Los Angeles fans, the upcoming shows represent a rare opportunity to see a veteran artist who helped shape a genre that continues to influence contemporary music. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, and the special vinyl release of Careless offers collectors a tangible piece of music history.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
