Rod Stewart has shared a new health update three months after undergoing a routine coronary stent procedure in August, telling The Sun that at 81 he is feeling stronger than ever.
The Maggie May singer called off the remaining dates of his US tour over the summer after doctors advised him to recuperate for four weeks following the procedure. A stent is a small wire tube that can be inserted into coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, if they have become narrowed or blocked.
Recovery and return to normal activities
At the time, the dad-of-eight told fans on Instagram: "I'm already feeling better and very much on the mend." A later statement shared on Instagram reassured fans that "doctors are pleased with his recovery".
It read: "Following further medical evaluation, Sir Rod Stewart has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure. Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities."
Vocal form and health precautions
Speaking to The Sun as he approaches the festive season, the Sailing hitmaker said: "At 81, it's quite remarkable. I can't jump around like I used to when I was 32, but I think the audience knows that, vocally, I'm better now than I've ever been."
Earlier in the year, the Do You Think I'm Sexy? musician revealed that a bad bout of bronchitis while performing above sea level left him struggling to breathe. He recalled: "I was in a right state. The geezer who worked for me didn't tell me. I said, 'Are we above sea level?' He said, 'Nah, of course we're not'.
"So I ran out and did three fast songs. All of a sudden, I was like, I couldn't breathe. I got through the show, but it was painful."
Rod added that he now takes his health very seriously, going so far as to cancel shows if he has an "itchy throat". He chuckled: "Now, when I go out, I wear white gloves like Michael Jackson. He did it to stop him from catching colds and the flu."
Prostate cancer update
The singer, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer more than a decade ago, told the outlet he is still clear of the disease, saying: "My PSA levels are at 0.02. You've got to keep an eye on it."
Urging fans to get the check done sooner rather than later, he insisted: "Finger up the bum, no harm done. That's what most men don't like. The old finger up the bum, but just get on with it."
