Just days ahead of his highly anticipated Glastonbury performance, Rod Stewart faced a daunting health challenge. The 80-year-old rock legend was struck by a severe case of Influenza A, reputed to be one of the worst flu strains, forcing him to cancel several U.S. tour dates and leaving him struggling to sing during rehearsals.
Penny Lancaster, his wife of 18 years, opened up about the ordeal in an interview with Hello! magazine. She revealed, “It knocked him sideways, he’s never been so ill in his entire life.” Despite his voice “not working,” Rod was determined to push through, driven by a fierce desire not to disappoint fans or his team.
With only five days remaining until Glastonbury, Rod confided in Penny about his doubts regarding his ability to perform. Medical evaluations at a London hospital, including an inspection of his voice box, were part of his path to recovery. He tried various remedies, such as alternating hot and cold steaming treatments, to soothe his symptoms.
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Penny shared the emotional toll the pressure had taken: “He was worrying so much about the expectations and pressure, everyone relying on him and not wanting to let anyone down. I think it just got in his head.” She enforced strict voice rest and encouraged him to visualize a positive performance outcome.
Remarkably, just two days before the show, Rod’s voice returned fully—a triumphant moment celebrated by the singer and his loved ones. His Glastonbury set was a resounding success, featuring special guests Lulu, Mick Hucknall of Simply Red, and Ronnie Wood of Faces.
Backstage, Rod’s family, including his children Alastair and Aiden and daughters Ruby and Renee with their families, shared in the excitement of the performance. Penny described the atmosphere as electric, reflecting the emotional journey leading up to the event.
Following his lauded appearance, Sir Rod shared updates on his creative endeavors. He is currently collaborating on new music with Ronnie Wood and drummer Kenney Jones, though his busiest schedule to date has delayed the album’s release.
Rod explained, “It’s all down to me again. So I’ve got to get the lyrics finished.” Beyond music, he’s juggling projects including two albums and documentaries, plus a paused book about his model railway. He admitted, “I’m working so bloody hard,” underscoring the demands of an active late career.
Looking ahead, Rod hinted his record label is encouraging a country album, revealing a desire to explore new musical territories despite the packed pipeline. “There’s so much in the pipeline but I’ve had to drop a few things. I’m just so busy, which thank the Lord I am,” he reflected.
Sir Rod Stewart’s resilience and dedication exemplify the spirit of a true performer, conquering illness and challenges to deliver unforgettable music moments.