On retiring from the operatic stage, at the English Opera House in April 1822, he travelled through the provinces with an entertainment called "The Wandering Melodist". He retired to live at Prospect Place, in Brighton, where he founded and occupied himself with the Brighton Glee Club. He suffered a serious illness in 1823: his offer to assist at the opening of the Chain Pier by singing 'Rule Britannia' and the National Anthem was declined. He recovered sufficiently to sing again, but at a recital on 15 October 1824, at Southampton, he announced that this should be his last appearance on any stage. He was in Worcester when a second attack of paralysis proved fatal.