Singer Rod Stewart is on the mend following a recent heart operation, with his wife Penny Lancaster expressing optimism about his recovery. Lancaster told the Press Association that the 81-year-old rocker is expected to return to performing "stronger than ever" and feels he has "a new lease of life" after undergoing a routine coronary stent procedure last month.
Stewart was forced to cancel the remaining dates of his 2026 tour, including planned performances in the US and Mexico, and take four weeks off to recuperate. The procedure involved opening blocked heart arteries using a catheter. His team confirmed via Instagram that doctors are pleased with his recovery and that Stewart has returned to his normal daily activities. He expressed his disappointment at missing shows but thanked the medical staff for their care, looking forward to returning to the stage soon.
Stewart's recent tour cancellations have drawn attention. Earlier this year, he pulled out of a gig in Cincinnati due to an "unforeseen but minor medical procedure." In June, he cancelled a concert in California, citing a respiratory infection that led to laryngitis. Shortly after, he paused a concert in Utah, using an oxygen tank on stage, which was speculated to be related to the altitude.
He also postponed shows in Colorado in June, requiring vocal rest. Stewart later addressed backlash for attending Scotland's World Cup match less than 24 hours after cancelling a show due to ill health. He explained that he had promised his sons he would take them to a World Cup, acknowledging that his attendance "wasn't a good look" but that he did it for them.
Lancaster noted the demanding nature of Stewart's performances, stating that he "runs around for nearly two hours with four different costume changes" during his shows, contributing to the strain. The singer himself commented on his recovery, stating he is "already feeling better and very much on the mend."