Sir Rod Stewart has addressed his health worries after pulling out of a gig at the final moment. The 81-year-old rocker was seen using an oxygen tank at the side of his stage in the US earlier this month, but he performed a full set with no breaks at Rock in Rio Lisboa in Portugal.
Toasting to Health and World Cup Hopes
Before performing, Stewart said while holding a whisky: "I'm going to drink to health, it's been most enjoyable but we've still got a long way to go." He also asked the crowd: "Saturday night – are Portugal going to win the World Cup? Fingers crossed."
Honouring Tina Turner and Ukraine
Stewart honoured his friend Tina Turner, who died two years ago, displaying her portrait on stage before performing their 1991 hit "It Takes Two." He also dedicated "Rhythm Of My Heart" to Ukraine, saying: "There's wars going on everywhere, people are dying, this particular war I've been interested in since it started four years ago, nearly five. This is the desperation of the Ukrainians – so this song is for the Ukrainian people and Zelenskyy and f**k Putin." Images of Ukrainian citizens and President Zelenskyy were shown, drawing loud cheers.
Wardrobe Malfunction and Festival Memories
Stewart joked about a near wardrobe malfunction: "I was having a little bit of trouble with my belt there." He also recalled: "The last time I did this festival was 2008; it's better now, much better."
Previous Health Scare and World Cup Decision
Earlier this month, Stewart was diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection and laryngitis, forcing him to cancel a show. The next day, he was spotted at Boston Stadium watching Scotland beat Haiti in the 2026 World Cup. He explained: "I got an awful... I really shouldn't have gone to the Haiti game. You know, I had to cancel a show the night before because I just had no voice left. But the truth is, Jim, I wasn't going to let my two sons down. I promised them since they were born that we were going to go to a World Cup. And this is the first one that's come about. And it wasn't a good look, I admit, but I'm going to have to just take the stick. So I did it for the boys."
