Rod Stewart has shared a fresh health update three months after undergoing a coronary stent procedure, telling The Sun that he is "doing very well", his PSA levels remain low, and he is vocally better than ever.
The 81-year-old singer cancelled the remaining dates of his US tour this summer after undergoing what was described as a "routine" heart procedure. He was advised by doctors to rest for four weeks following the coronary stent procedure, in which a small wire tube is inserted into coronary arteries that 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 reassured fans on Instagram: "I'm already feeling better and very much on the mend." A further statement posted on Instagram days after he scrapped his tour said doctors were 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 health and stage energy
Now, as he heads into the festive period, the Sailing hitmaker has delivered a fresh update. He told The Sun: "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 this year, the Do You Think I'm Sexy? rocker disclosed that a bout of bronchitis while performing at altitude left him gasping for air. 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 went on to add 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."
Cancer-free status and advice to fans
The singer appears to be in good health more than a decade after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis, revealing to the publication that he remains free of the disease. He said: "My PSA levels are at 0.02. You've got to keep an eye on it."
Urging supporters to get checked for cancer 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."
