Rod Stewart, 81, addresses health concerns after cancelling gigs due to sickness

Rod Stewart, the 81-year-old rock legend, has been making headlines for his recent spate of cancelled gigs due to illness. The singer's health concerns have sparked worry among his fans, with many wondering if age is finally catching up with the crooner. But despite his recent struggles, Stewart has shown no signs of slowing down, delivering a full set at the Portugal music festival Rock in Rio Lisboa this weekend.

Stewart's recent bout of laryngitis forced him to cancel a show in San Diego with just 40 minutes to spare. But it seems that the singer's vocal woes are not a new phenomenon. He had already axed two shows in his Las Vegas residency, citing a sinus infection that left him in need of vocal recovery. The recurring theme here is not just Stewart's age, but also the grueling demands of his touring schedule. With a career spanning over five decades, Stewart has been performing at an incredible pace, leaving little room for rest and recovery.

Stewart's decision to use an oxygen tank during a performance in Utah has raised eyebrows among his fans. While the singer has downplayed the incident, joking that he had nearly fainted in the aftermath, it's clear that his health is taking a hit. The use of an oxygen tank is a worrying sign, especially for a performer of Stewart's age. It's a stark reminder that even the most resilient of artists can't outrun the clock.

Despite his health concerns, Stewart remains optimistic about his future. During his recent concert in Portugal, he took to the stage, delivering a full set with no breaks. In a toast to his own health, Stewart said, "I'm going to drink to health. It's been most enjoyable, but we've still got a long way to go." The sentiment is heartwarming, but it's hard not to wonder if Stewart is being too optimistic.

Stewart's recent comments on the Ukraine war have sparked controversy among his fans. During his concert in Portugal, he dedicated the song "Rhythm of My Heart" to the people of Ukraine, adding, "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." The sentiment is clear: Stewart is taking a stance on the war, using his platform to raise awareness and support for the Ukrainian people.

Stewart's recent health woes have put his legacy under scrutiny. As a performer who has been in the industry for over five decades, Stewart has built a reputation as a hardworking and dedicated artist. But with his recent health struggles, it's clear that even the most enduring of careers can come to an end. How long will Stewart continue to perform at this level?

Rod Stewart's health concerns are a stark reminder that even the most resilient of artists can't outrun the clock. As he continues to perform at an incredible pace, it's clear that his health is taking a hit. Will Stewart be able to bounce back from his recent struggles, or will his legacy be defined by his health woes?