Winger Announces Retirement from Touring, Leaves Future Open
In a recent discussion with Anthony Bryant of The Hair Metal Guru, Rod Morgenstein, drummer for Winger, addressed the band’s decision to cease touring following their final show on August 31, 2025, at the Rainbow Bar & Grill Backyard Bash in West Hollywood, California. He remarked, “It’s been a long time coming. Kip [Winger, bassist/vocalist] has concerns about his voice.”
Morgenstein elaborated on the challenges faced by singers who perform in high registers as they age, citing Kip’s ongoing worries about vocal performance. “When you’re a crooner, you can sing forever, but high-register demands are tough as you get older,” he explained. “Kip often wondered if each show might be the one where his voice wouldn’t hold up.” He noted that after 37 years, some band members are ready to explore other interests, with Kip wanting to focus more on his classical music pursuits.
Reflecting on their last performance, Morgenstein added, “We left the stage without definitively saying it was over. There’s always a chance for future events.”
Reb Beach on the Band’s Farewell Tours
In March, Winger guitarist Reb Beach spoke with Adam Roach on the Become A Guitarist Today podcast about the band’s farewell tours in Australia and Japan in 2025. “It’s a shame Kip wants to end it because I’m enjoying it and could continue for another decade,” Beach said, acknowledging the strain on Kip’s voice. Despite Kip’s high standards, Beach praised his vocal ability, even on challenging nights.
Beach continued, “Touring is tough, but Kip’s heart is in classical music. He’s been with the band for 35 years and is now making strides in the classical world, having been Grammy-nominated and having his work performed by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. He doesn’t need the money, but I could use it,” Beach joked, emphasizing Kip’s dedication to classical music.
Future of Winger’s Music
In a separate interview with The Rockpit, Beach was asked about Winger’s future music production. He responded, “Kip is focused on classical music and has no interest in rock. He has numerous symphonies to write and is committed to that path.” Beach mentioned that Kip prefers creating music collaboratively rather than using pre-composed riffs, which limits new Winger recordings.
Kip Winger’s Perspective
Earlier in March, Kip Winger spoke with Steve Mascord of White Line Fever TV about what he would miss about performing with the band. “I’ve been well-known my whole life, but never saw myself as a rock star,” Kip said. He expressed excitement about moving into the classical music world, where he finds new inspiration.
Kip explained, “At some point, I’ll play a final show, but I might still do occasional events like a cruise. I’m not announcing a definitive end.” He also discussed how his routine would change post-touring, highlighting the toll of constant travel and his desire for uninterrupted creativity.
Kip continued, “Interruption kills creativity. I want to focus on being fully creative and explore new expressions beyond rock music. Our last Winger record was a strong statement, and I feel ready to move on to new challenges.”
Winger’s Legacy and Achievements
Winger released their seventh studio album, “Seven,” in 2023. Kip Winger is also an accomplished symphonic composer, with recordings under the name C.F. Kip Winger. Reb Beach has been part of Whitesnake since 2002, and Rod Morgenstein is a professor at Berklee College of Music.
Formed in the late 1980s, Winger gained success with their debut album, featuring hits like “Seventeen” and “Headed For A Heartbreak,” achieving platinum status. Their follow-up, “In The Heart Of The Young,” also went platinum. Despite challenges in the mid-’90s, the band reunited in 2001 and continued to perform. Kip received a Grammy nomination in 2016 for his classical work.
