Earlier this summer, legendary entertainer Rod Stewart began taking a personal inventory of his life. The Maggie May hitmaker will turn 80 in January. He acknowledges that his days are numbered but feels he has at least 15 more good years. However, his closest pals think differently.
Following Rod's mortality interview in July, the singer has had some bad luck with his health. In this interview, Stewart openly discussed his age and the realization that his days are numbered.
The issues were severe enough to spark significant concerns, forcing him to cancel some tour stops. Stewart was forced to cancel the 200th show of his 13-year residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas due to contracting strep throat. Several days later, Rod also contracted COVID-19, which forced more cancellations.
Unfortunately, Rod Stewart's friends feel that at almost 80, the singer's situation is only becoming more difficult. So, those closest to him are urging Rod to rethink his rigorous touring schedule and consider retirement.
His friends, however, are more concerned about the toll his health is taking on his performance. They fear that he may reach a point where he could potentially embarrass himself on stage. One source tells Closer, "Rod is finding it increasingly difficult to deliver the high-energy performances his fans have come to expect."
The insider adds that Rod's team hopes to convince him to step away. They want to prevent him from a tragic decline like the late Elvis Presley.
"While his love for music is strong as ever, the years of touring are taking a visible toll. Rather than risk tarnishing his incredible legacy, it might be time for him to hang up his mic and his signature tight pants!"
Despite his millions of fans who still flock to his shows, even some die-hard fans have noticed a decline in the quality of his recent performances. Commenters on Reddit have even gone as far as to call some of the recent shows cringeworthy.
"I saw him last year , wouldn't call it a waste of money but it did make me cringe quite a bit" writes one. Another adds, "I have seen Rod several times, and I agree that he has definitely gotten more cringey during his live shows."
Rod's hard-drinking throughout the years has also become a concern for the singer's family and friends. This lifestyle choice has been a part of Stewart's public persona for decades, but it's now raising serious health concerns. During a recent interview, Stewart admitted that he would never stop partying.
Stewart says, "I'm not like I was in the '70s and '80s and I can't stay up all night, get drunk and go mad and still have a voice just like that.
"Before the show I have a quick Bacardi which I am trying to convince myself is good for my voice. After a show we all get stuck into the Martinis. Most bands all go home and go to bed but we don't. We have a big old party."
However, as much as the legendary entertainer may wish to continue full speed ahead, eventually, age catches up. But while Rod continues to do what he loves most, his friends will continue to urge the singer to slow things down. That is, until they convince him to step away permanently.