Sir Rod Stewart, the 79-year-old rock legend, has faced a fresh health setback after being diagnosed with strep throat and contracting COVID-19. The "Maggie May" singer was forced to cancel a string of concerts to prioritise his recovery, a decision that came after his wife, Penny Lancaster, labelled him a "workaholic".
Despite acknowledging that his "days are numbered", Stewart had announced plans to return to performing in Las Vegas next year. However, the recent health challenges have cast a shadow over his future on stage.
Stewart personally addressed his fans via Instagram, expressing his deep regret for cancelling his 200th show celebration. He stated, "I'm desperately sorry to miss this 200th show celebration. Most people can work with strep throat but obviously not me. I'm absolutely gutted. I've been looking forward to this concert for so long. My deepest regrets for any inconvenience this has caused. Thankfully, we'll now be returning in 2025 and I hope to see you all there," signing off with a heartbroken emoji.
Dr Chun Tang, a GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical, has warned Stewart that failing to rest and fully recover from his strep throat could lead to "further complications." Discussing the impact of strep throat on a singer's voice, Dr Tang told GB News: "Strep throat directly affects a singer's voice by causing significant inflammation and pain in the throat, which can extend to the vocal cords. This swelling makes it difficult to produce clear, strong sounds, leading to hoarseness, a reduced vocal range, and even a complete loss of voice in severe cases."
Dr Tang added that the pain and redness associated with strep throat can make singing uncomfortable, potentially leading singers to unconsciously alter their technique, further straining their voice.
When asked whether strep throat poses a greater threat to older individuals compared to younger ones, Dr Tang explained: "Oh yes! Strep throat can be more damaging to the elderly compared to younger people. Older adults often have a weaker immune system, which can make it harder for them to fight off infections like strep. This can lead to more severe symptoms, longer recovery time, and a higher risk of complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. Additionally, the elderly may already have pre-existing conditions that can worsen the impact of strep throat, making it more challenging to recover fully."
Following Stewart's concert cancellations, Lancaster took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the unwavering support their family has received. She wrote: "Thank you to the 200k followers who have supported the moments Iâve shared with everyone. I hope that through my posts I have been able to connect with you and provide joy and inspiration but above all the message that kindness and compassion are the true gift of nature. Something we should aspire to project amongst one another each day, even though from time to time we slip up, itâs important to reconnect to that place."
Lancaster has also faced her own health challenges, recently opening up about her experience with menopause, which impacted her marriage. She told The Times: "I couldnât contain it anymore. I didnât want to hurt anyone. I didnât want to hurt myself. But I felt like it was getting to that point. I collapsed on the floor in a heap, burst into tears, shaking in the corner. Of course, it was an absolute shock to Rod and the boys. Rod just went, âBoys, in the other room. Leave Mummy'. He came over and said, âItâs all right, darling. Itâs OK, itâs OK.â I was shaking. âI canât do this. What the hell is going on with me?â I thought I was going mad. Rod said, âRight, weâve got to get you to the doctorâs. You canât carry on like this. Thereâs got to be an answer. Thereâs got to be something'."
Stewart's recent health woes have highlighted the importance of prioritizing rest and recovery, particularly for those in their later years. As the rock icon navigates this challenging period, his fans and loved ones will undoubtedly be sending their well wishes for a swift and complete recovery.
