Sir Rod Stewart has issued a major health update during his European tour, reassuring fans after he was seen using an oxygen tank on stage earlier this month. The Maggie May singer, 80, addressed his recent health battles during a performance at Rock in Rio Lisboa, toasting his health with a glass of whiskey before telling the crowd: "I'm going to drink to health, it's been most enjoyable, but we've still got a long way to go."
Stewart's Health Scare and Recovery
Earlier this month, doctors diagnosed Sir Rod with an acute upper respiratory infection, which led to laryngitis and forced him to cancel a show at the 11th hour. Despite the setback, he appears to have recovered well, performing without breaks in Lisbon. He told the audience: "The last time I did this festival was 2008; it's better now, much better."
Tribute to Tina Turner
During his set, Stewart paid tribute to his late friend Tina Turner, who passed away in May 2023. He said: "[She] was a good friend of mine," before displaying her portrait on stage as he performed their 1991 hit single, It Takes Two.
World Cup Dedication to His Sons
Stewart also addressed his decision to attend a World Cup match despite his illness. He was spotted in the stands at Boston Stadium watching Scotland secure a victory against Haiti in the 2026 World Cup. Speaking about the choice, he admitted: "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." He added: "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."
Glastonbury Performance Still Praised
Stewart's health update comes after his 2025 Glastonbury performance, which was rebroadcast recently. One impressed viewer wrote on X: "80 years old. Just feel good throughout. What a star," while another gushed: "Rod Stewart still looks great at the age of 80. He's still got it."
