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He is considered a fitness icon and tireless public figure. Now he is struggling with health setbacks.
Rod Stewart caused worried reactions at a show in the US state of Utah. During his performance in West Valley City last weekend (June 20/21), the 81-year-old singer had to briefly interrupt his program and receive oxygen next to the stage.
Smartphone recordings from the front rows of fans show the legend with the raspy voice visibly battered; At times he supported himself on the instrument stand before paramedics rushed to the scene with a first aid kit.
Almost fainted – but only almost
Shortly afterwards, Stewart was joking again. He explained to fans that he almost fainted. “But, just almost!”
Despite the attack of weakness, he did not stop the concert, but continued the performance sitting down. It is not yet known whether the summer temperatures of around 30 degrees were also to blame.
Concert cancellations and vocal problems
The incident is part of a series of health problems for the former playboy. At the beginning of June, Stewart postponed several dates on his “One Last Time Tour” after doctors advised him to take longer to recover from the flu.
Further cancellations followed later due to an upper respiratory tract infection and laryngitis. What caused controversy at the time was that Stewart was spotted at a Scottish national team football match in Boston shortly after a concert was cancelled. However, his management emphasized that although his health had improved, his voice was not yet sufficiently strong for a stage appearance.
Fitness guru with a training regime spanning decades
What’s notable is the contrast between the current setbacks and Stewart’s long-standing reputation as a fitness guru. He revealed to Men’s Health magazine that he has been working with the same personal trainer, ex-footballer Gary O’Connor, for almost four decades. He also regularly completes endurance and strength programs while on tour. One of his sporting goals is to sprint 100 meters in 17 seconds. An ambitious project for a sportsman of his age group.
In addition to running training, Stewart relies on special exercises in the water that are inspired by military training methods of the elite SAS troops and at the same time protect his joints. This program is called “Deep End Fitness”.
He has long since left the excessive rock star life behind him: he no longer smokes, pays attention to his diet and describes himself as being in “exceptionally good physical shape”.
Further US concerts planned for July and August
However, recent events show that even a disciplined lifestyle cannot fully compensate for the stresses of everyday touring.
Further concerts in the USA are planned for July and August. It is currently unclear whether the incident in Utah will have an impact on upcoming concerts. In any case, the official tour finale is scheduled for August 15th in St. Louis.
