Rod Stewart, 81, looks better than ever following string of health issues


The rock legend appeared in remarkable form as he delivered a 90-minute performance at an exclusive Hamptons benefit


British pop icon Rod Stewart © Getty Images
Nicola Conville
Nicola ConvilleFeatures Writer
1 hour ago
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Rod Stewart looked remarkably spry as he danced around the stage during a high-energy performance following a string of recent health concerns.

The 81-year-old rock legend was performing at an exclusive benefit for Steven Van Zandt's TeachRock charity in Southampton, New York, on Wednesday, July 29 2026.

Rod reportedly performed for an hour and a half at the luxurious Hamptons residence, treating guests to lassics including 'The First Cut Is the Deepest', 'Have I Told You Lately' and the aptly titled 'Forever Young'.

Rod cancelled his performance hours after attending the world cup© WireImage
Rod has seemingly bounced back after health concerns

Rod performed at the event without charging a fee, helping the benefit raise an impressive US$1.7 million for the educational charity.

The star-studded guest list reportedly included Ramona Singer, Georgina Chapman, Chris and Cristina Cuomo, fashion writer Stefano Tonchi and designer Fern Mallis.

One of the night's most successful auction lots offered dinner in New York's Little Italy with Steven and three actors from The Sopranos. Two guests each paid US$80,000 for the experience, raising a combined US$160,000.

rod stewart penny lancaster young© Corbis via Getty Images
Rod with wife Penny Lancaster

Rod's energetic appearance came after several health setbacks prompted him to cancel or postpone concerts during May and June.

He pulled out of a June 12 show in Chula Vista, California, less than an hour before he was due to perform after being diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection that had caused laryngitis.

The decision sparked frustration when the singer was pictured travelling to Boston with sons Liam and Alastair the following day to watch Scotland play Haiti in the FIFA World Cup.

Sir Rod Stewart (third left) celebrates in the stands © PA Images via Getty Images
Rod celebrates in the stands during the FIFA World Cup Group C match

Rod later acknowledged that attending the match had not looked good, but explained that he had promised his sons he would take them to a World Cup. Although he felt well enough to travel, he said he had been unable to sing at the canceled concert.

Shows at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre were subsequently postponed while he rested his voice.

King Charles III meets Sir Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood © Getty Images
Rod and Ronnie Wood with King Charles III

Further concern arose during a June concert in West Valley City, Utah, when Rod became unsteady and briefly stopped the performance to use an oxygen tank.

The singer told the audience he had nearly fainted while trying to dance, but insisted that "the show must go on" and resumed the concert. The venue's high altitude and hot weather were thought to have contributed to his breathlessness.

However, Rod's animated Hamptons performance appeared to reassure guests that he was back in fighting form. 

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