By Fatma Younis
Rod Stewart has disclosed the strict health regimen he is following to prepare for his 2027 farewell tour after a series of health setbacks forced him to cancel shows earlier this year.
Health Scare and Recovery
The 81-year-old rock veteran underwent a routine coronary stent procedure in August, months after he nearly fainted on stage during a concert in Utah. The incident occurred because he was performing at 4,300 feet above sea level while suffering from bronchitis.
Strict Daily Regimen
To avoid respiratory infections, Stewart now wears white gloves in public, a habit he adopted from Michael Jackson. He has also limited his alcohol intake, stating he now performs sober and only has a rum and coke after the third song, though his wife Penny Lancaster urges him to cut back further.
His pre-show routine includes an hour of stretching, cycling, stationary bike work, massage, and vocal warm-ups. At home, he cycles uphill three times a week and swims extensively, a practice he credits to advice from Frank Sinatra about underwater swimming to expand lung capacity.
Medical Monitoring
Stewart continues to monitor his PSA levels a decade after being diagnosed with and cleared of prostate cancer.
Farewell Tour Announced
In September, he announced 'The Final Encore' tour, slated for 2027, covering the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and mainland Europe. He emphasized that while this will be his last tour, he has no plans to retire from music entirely.
