Singer Hallyday to quit touring

Hallyday began his showbiz career when he was just 16

French rock star Johnny Hallyday is to retire from live performing following a farewell tour, he has revealed.

The 64-year-old, who will hit the road for the last time in May 2009, said he still plans to record new music.

Hallyday told French TF1 TV: "I've decided to stop. I made this decision, not an easy one, because there comes a day when you have to stop."

Once dubbed "the French Elvis", Hallyday has sold 100 million records over the past 40 years.

He said his decision to bow out was because he had "too much respect" for the public, adding he did not "want to become pathetic".

Born Jean-Philippe Smet, Hallyday is credited with introducing rock 'n' roll to France.