Rod Stewart at 80: Still Rocking, Still Fearless
Legendary rock and pop singer Rod Stewart, now 80 years old, has candidly reflected on the passage of time and his enduring passion for music. In a rare and revealing interview in mid-2024, Stewart acknowledged, “I’m aware my days are numbered, but I’ve got no fear,” offering a philosophical and fearless outlook on growing older while continuing to embrace life and his storied career.
Born on January 10, 1945, Stewart’s gravelly voice and dynamic stage presence have made him an icon for over five decades. Yet, even with such an extensive legacy, he shows no signs of slowing down. His July 2024 interview with The Sun People.com revealed a man who balances the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle of his youth with the wisdom of age — protecting his voice, managing his health, and carefully calibrating his performances.
At the time of that interview, Stewart was midway through a successful residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He had just released Swing Fever, a swing album recorded with longtime collaborator Jools Holland, and was preparing for a UK tour. He expressed confidence about his future on stage, estimating he could continue performing for another 15 years, saying, “I can do that easy mate, easy.” Despite trimming back some of his wilder habits — like drinking primarily after shows — Stewart still keeps alcohol in his rider, showing he hasn’t entirely abandoned his rock star roots.
However, the optimism of 2024 met challenges in 2025. By June, Stewart had canceled several U.S. tour dates, including high-profile shows at The Colosseum and the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre. Some cancellations were announced via his Instagram but lacked detailed explanations. Fans were left to speculate whether age-related health issues might be a factor, especially given Stewart’s history, including a successful battle against prostate cancer in 2019. Some postponed dates were rescheduled for later in the year, signaling that while setbacks have occurred, Stewart remains committed to performing.
Notably, despite these cancellations, Stewart’s calendar still includes major appearances, such as a scheduled July 5, 2025, show alongside Billy Joel in Pittsburgh. This perseverance aligns closely with his earlier declaration of enthusiasm for his craft and his determination to keep entertaining fans as long as possible.
Rod Stewart’s journey offers a poignant look at how a rock legend confronts the inevitability of aging without losing his spark. His blend of candid acceptance, dedication to his art, and careful self-care paints the portrait of an artist who knows the clock is ticking — but refuses to stop dancing to the music just yet.
