Sir Rod Stewart, 79, dealt fresh health blow as doctor makes ‘further complications’ admission
Rod Stewart has been warned to rest his voice properly after contracting strep throat
GETTY
Sir Rod Stewart, 79, was struck down with strep throat and Covid-19 and had to heartbreakingly cancel a number of his concerts in order for him to recover properly.
After being branded a "workaholic" by his wife, Penny Lancaster, the Maggie May singer announced that he would be touring through Vegas again next year, despite noting he knew his "days were numbered".
The 79-year-old addressed his fans through his Instagram account twice to reveal that he would not be on stage, with the first one about his strep reading: "I'm desperately sorry to miss this 200th show celebration. Most people can work with strep throat but obviously not me.
"I'm absolutely gutted. I've been looking forward to this concert for so long. My deepest regrets for any inconvenience this has caused. Thankfully, we'll now be returning in 2025 and I hope to see you all there," signing off with a heartbroken emoji.
Stewart has since been warned by Dr Chun Tang, a GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical that he risks "further complications" if he doesn't rest and recover fully from his strep throat diagnosis.
Discussing how strep affects a singer's voice, Tang told GB News: "Strep throat directly affects a singer’s voice by causing significant inflammation and pain in the throat, which can extend to the vocal cords.
Rod Stewart has recently been branded a "workaholic" by his wife Penny Lancaster
PA
"This swelling makes it difficult to produce clear, strong sounds, leading to hoarseness, a reduced vocal range, and even a complete loss of voice in severe cases.
"The pain and redness can also make it uncomfortable to sing, potentially causing a singer to unconsciously adjust their technique in ways that could further strain their voice."
When asked whether strep affects older people compared to younger, Tang added: "Oh yes! Strep throat can be more damaging to the elderly compared to younger people.
"Older adults often have a weaker immune system, which can make it harder for them to fight off infections like strep.
"This can lead to more severe symptoms, longer recovery time, and a higher risk of complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
"Additionally, the elderly may already have pre-existing conditions that can worsen the impact of strep throat, making it more challenging to recover fully."
Days after Stewart had to cancel his gig, Lancaster penned a heartfelt message thanking their fans for the constant support they had been receiving.
She penned on Instagram: "Thank you to the 200k followers who have supported the moments I’ve shared with everyone.
"I hope that through my posts I have been able to connect with you and provide joy and inspiration but above all the message that kindness and compassion are the true gift of nature.
"Something we should aspire to project amongst one another each day, even though from time to time we slip up, it’s important to reconnect to that place."
Alongside Stewart, Lancaster has suffered her own health struggles as she recently gave an insight into her family while going through menopause - something that took a toll on her marriage.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Rod Stewart recently supported Penny Lancaster through her own health battles
GETTY
She told the Times: "I couldn’t contain it anymore. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I didn’t want to hurt myself. But I felt like it was getting to that point.
"I collapsed on the floor in a heap, burst into tears, shaking in the corner. Of course, it was an absolute shock to Rod and the boys.
"Rod just went, ‘Boys, in the other room. Leave Mummy'. He came over and said, ‘It’s all right, darling. It’s OK, it’s OK.’ I was shaking. ‘I can’t do this. What the hell is going on with me?’
"I thought I was going mad. Rod said, ‘Right, we’ve got to get you to the doctor’s. You can’t carry on like this. There’s got to be an answer. There’s got to be something'."