Music icon Rod Stewart has had a rough go of it lately, but he's staying optimistic. Stewart shared an encouraging health update just two months after a heart procedure that forced him to cancel the rest of his 2026 tour.
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The 81-year-old singer appeared in good spirits Thursday, Oct. 15, while attending a charity gala performance of Sinatra the Musical at London's Aldwych Theatre alongside his wife, Penny Lancaster.
When reporters asked how he was feeling following the operation, Stewart didn't hold back.
"F---ing brilliant! I swam 400 meters the other day," he told the Daily Mail, according to People.
The upbeat response comes after a difficult several months for the "Maggie May" singer, who underwent a coronary stent procedure in August after doctors discovered a blockage in an artery.
His health concerns first became apparent in June when Stewart nearly fainted during a concert in Utah. The musician temporarily stopped performing and required an oxygen mask before continuing. Following additional medical evaluations, doctors discovered an underlying heart issue that required treatment.
Music Icon Announces Retirement
Lancaster previously discussed her husband's health struggles during an appearance on the At Home with Vanessa podcast.
"They detected a slight blockage which needed a stent, which, according to a lot of research, it appears most people over the age of 65 will often need and require a stent," Lancaster said. "Between me and my brother, his trainer, and doctors and everyone, you know, we're not letting him get away with it ... he has to do as he's told."
In September, the Grammy-winning musician announced that his upcoming The Final Encore Tour would mark his retirement from large-scale rock concerts after more than six decades in the music industry.
"Ladies and gentlemen, after much deliberation and sadness, I have to announce next year will be my last tour ever, ever, ever," Stewart said on Instagram on Sept. 28. "I'm not retiring, but this will be the last rock and roll tour."
He continued, "I wanna thank you for everything you've given me, and hopefully I've given you something in return," before taking to his piano and singing, "Please come out and see me on the tour. It's gonna be great!"
