Sir Rod Stewart, 79, risks ‘permanent damage to voice’ if he rushes stage return after health blow
Rod Stewart has been warned about returning to the stage too early
PA
Sir Rod Stewart has been forced to cancel a handful of shows in America after he contracted strep throat and Covid-19 within a matter of days - now a GP and Medical Director have given a stern warning to the star.
His recent health struggles have come just days after the 79-year-old admitted that his "days were numbered" when it came to his declining health and told The Sun: "I’m aware my days are numbered but I’ve got no fear.
"We have all got to pass on at some point, so we are all in the same basket. I am going to be enjoying myself for these last few years as much as I can. I say a few — probably another 15. I can do that easy mate, easy."
Despite being aware of his declining health, the star doesn't intend to retire anytime soon and recently announced he would be going back on tour in Vegas next year.
Cancelling his Vegas show, the star posted on his Instagram: "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 2015 and I hope to see you all there," signing off with a heartbroken emoji.
Rod Stewart issued his first statement concerning his strep throat
The second announcement came days later and read: "We regret to announce that tonight's Rod Stewart concert in Stateline, NV and his August 10 show in Lincoln, CA have been postponed, as the singer recovers from a summer strain of Covid-19.
"The Lincoln, CA concert at Thunder Valley Casino will now be on August 18 and his concert at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys in Stateline, NV concert will now be in August 20. Ticket holders should hold onto their tickets as they will be honoured for the rescheduled shows." (sic)
Despite the star being keen to get back on stage, Stewart has been given a stern warning from Dr Chun Tang, a GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical, as he risks "permanent damage to his voice."
Speaking to GB News, Tang explained: "You need to rest your voice completely for at least a week, allowing the inflammation to go down and your meds to work.
"Even if you start feeling better sooner, I'd suggest continuing to rest your voice for an extra few days. Getting back out there too soon could delay recovery or even cause permanent vocal damage. Also, everyone heals at a different pace, so tuning into how your voice feels is key before returning to singing. If in doubt, ask a health expert!"
When discussing the long-lasting impacts of strep throat, Tang added: "For singers, untreated or improperly managed strep throat can have serious, long-lasting consequences.
"Chronic inflammation or repeated infections can lead to the development of vocal nodules, polyps, or scarring, all of which can permanently alter the voice's tone, strength, and range.
"This can make it difficult to hit high notes or sustain certain pitches, and in severe cases, could force a singer to modify or even abandon their career."
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Penny Lancaster thanked her followers for their continued support
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Shortly after the cancellation of Stewart's Vegas show, Lancaster wrote on social media: "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 is 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."
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