Sir Rod Stewart's memorable Glastonbury 2025 performance, now being repeated by the BBC, came after a serious health struggle that left his wife Penny Lancaster deeply concerned. The 81-year-old music icon battled flu so severe that he had to cancel shows leading up to the festival and required medical intervention to take the stage.
Medical Intervention and Voice Therapy
Rod Stewart reportedly needed more than just rest. His wife Penny, 55, took him to a London throat specialist ahead of his first Glastonbury appearance in 23 years. According to Radar Online, the singer underwent voice coaching, hot and cold steaming, and strict voice rest following the examination. His voice only returned two days before the performance, as reported by the Express at the time.
Penny later said, according to the publication: "He was never so ill in his life. (But) it all turned around and he was on top of the world." She also told her husband of 17 years: "You have to visualise yourself being on stage and manifest this whole experience, because it's going to happen."
Nerves and Pre-Show Ritual
Despite decades of experience, Rod was nervous before his Legends slot performance. Penny revealed: "I could tell by his face he was nervous. I've only seen that once before, performing for the Queen in a small room at St James's Palace." However, the atmosphere backstage was "electric," and Rod's pre-stage ritual involved a quick stint on an exercise bike to loosen his legs and a glass of Bacardi and Coke "for a little kickstart."
After the set, he walked off with a grin, saying, "We did it." His teenage sons Alastair and Aiden, daughters Ruby and Renee, and their partners joined him at Worthy Farm for the show.
BBC Repeat Broadcast
Rod Stewart's Glastonbury 2025 performance is repeated on BBC Two on Saturday, June 27 at 10.50pm, as the festival takes a break in 2026.
