Penny Lancaster has provided reassurance after her husband, Sir Rod Stewart, was seen using an oxygen tank during a performance in Salt Lake City, Utah. Appearing on ITV's Loose Women, the 53-year-old model and television personality explained that the incident "looked a lot scarier than it really was."
Health Scare at High Altitude
The 81-year-old legendary singer was spotted struggling to catch his breath while performing at a venue near Salt Lake City. However, Lancaster revealed that Stewart had been recovering from a respiratory infection, which had forced him to cancel a couple of prior shows. The high altitude of Salt Lake City, which sits at approximately 4,226 feet above sea level, compounded the issue.
"He wasn't aware that Salt Lake City, where he was performing, was way above sea level," Lancaster said. "The altitude levels, just for your regular person, is a challenge. If you're not acclimatised, like sportsmen would arrive before an event, a week before to acclimatise."
Rod Stewart's Fitness and Recovery
Lancaster emphasized that Stewart, known for his energetic performances, was already "down on his juice" due to the infection and then faced an additional 17% reduction in oxygen because of the altitude. Despite the scare, Stewart completed the two-hour show, which involves him running around constantly. "He doesn't sit still for a minute, it suddenly hit him," she added.
Oxygen tanks are standard at such venues for performers who may struggle, even younger artists after a late night. Lancaster noted that Stewart informed her of the situation via message, but seeing the footage was still "uncomfortable" given his usual fitness level. "Rod is, as you know, a fitness king. I mean, he's fitter than most people my age," she said.
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.
