Rod Stewart delivered a high-energy performance at a benefit for Steven Van Zandt's Teach Rock charity in Southampton, New York, on Wednesday night, demonstrating a strong recovery following a series of recent health setbacks.
Despite canceling several shows in June due to an upper respiratory infection and vocal rest, the 81-year-old singer performed a 90-minute set, singing hits such as "The First Cut is the Deepest," "Have I Told You Lately," and "Forever Young." Attendees described Stewart as looking "incredible" and in "better shape than men half his age." He also engaged in significant stage dancing throughout the performance.
Stewart expressed his support for Teach Rock, an organization dedicated to reintroducing music education into schools. "Music gave me my direction when I was a young lad, and I’ve never forgotten it," Stewart stated. "What Stevie’s built with TeachRock is the real deal — getting music back into classrooms and giving kids that same spark."
The Hamptons benefit, held at a large mansion, featured Stewart performing for free. Steven Van Zandt, founder of Teach Rock and a member of the E Street Band, joined Stewart onstage for renditions of "We’re Having a Party" and "Stay With Me." The event successfully raised $1.7 million for the charity, which lists Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese, and Bruce Springsteen among its founding members.
Earlier this year, Stewart had to cancel a June 12 show in San Diego due to laryngitis. He subsequently postponed performances at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado on June 16 and 17. On June 22, he was seen using an oxygen tank on stage during a concert in Utah, which some attributed to the high altitude. Prior to these events, he had also canceled two Las Vegas shows in May.
Notable guests at the event included fashion designer Georgina Chapman, Fern Mallis, and Ramona Singer. An auction item featuring a dinner with Van Zandt and other "Sopranos" cast members sold for $80,000 to two individuals. Stewart is scheduled to perform next at Jones Beach on Friday, July 31.