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 classics including 'The First Cut Is the Deepest', 'Have I Told You Lately' and the aptly titled 'Forever Young'.
© Lane OliveriRod 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.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesSir Rod Stewart said: "Music gave me my direction when I was a young lad, and I've never forgotten it. What Stevie's built with TeachRock is the real deal — getting music back into classrooms and giving kids that same spark. Sharing a stage with him in Southampton for a cause like this? That's what it's all about."
© Lane OliveriThe glamorous event, which was curated by Creative Director Mark Aldridge and produced by BlueDog Group CEO, Nick King, was held at a twenty-acre beachfront estate, where Sir Rod gave the intimate private concert for just 200 guests, all dressed in white, at the evening co-hosted by his wife Penny Lancaster.
© Lane OliveriRod'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.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesRod 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.
© Getty ImagesFurther 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.
