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Rod Stewart has no plans to retire despite string of health crises including beating cancer twice

Rod Stewart's children have been encouraging the 78-year-old rocker to slow down and focus on his health but he has no plans to do so

BY SHREEJA DAS

PUBLISHED JUN 25, 2023

Rod Stewart performs during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations (Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND: Rod Stewart embarked on his highly-anticipated summer tour on Saturday, June 24, by performing at Home Park Stadium in Plymouth, southwest England. Boy George and Culture Club accompanies the rocker for the performances.

Recent reports claimed Stewart was about to retire, but the 78-year-old has made it claer that he had no intentions of stepping away from music and performing. Instead, he expressed a desire to shift his focus to swing music and his Great American Song Book catalog. These announcements were made during the tour promotion and serving as a message to his children, who reportedly encouraged him to slow down and retire to "focus on his health" and family.

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‘I love what I do’

Stewart has had a number of health crises in the past. In 2019, he revealed that he had battled and beaten prostate cancer after three years of treatment secretly. In 2000, he overcame thyroid cancer. He underwent knee replacement and ankle fusion surgery in April 2020 due to a soccer injury.

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Responding to the retirement rumors, Stewart told People "no" six times. "I love what I do," he reportedly said.

Rod Stewart performs during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, on June 4, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images) — Rod Stewart performs during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, on June 4, 2022 in London, England (Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Rod Stewart cancels performance

In March, Stewart cancelled his planned performance in Geelong, Australia, during which he was to be accompanied by Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens. Stewart expressed his disappointment by sharing a statement on Instagram,.

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He wrote, ''I'm absolutely downhearted that I'm disappointing my fans who bought tickets to A Day On The Green. Late this morning I was advised that I have a viral infection and my throat is too irritated to sing."

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To ensure his voice and body are in prime condition, Stewart remains dedicated to maintaining his fitness and vocal abilities. This involves engaging in voice exercises before embarking on tours.