Rod Stewart defies the passage of time, proving he’s eternally youthful!
Despite raising concerns earlier in the summer with several health issues and some canceled gigs, the iconic rocker made a vibrant comeback on Wednesday night. He performed a series of his classic hits at a lavish benefit gala for Steven Van Zandt’s Teach Rock charity, which took place at a sprawling mansion in Southampton.
Sources at the exclusive gathering shared that Stewart delivered nothing short of a spectacular performance, treating guests to an hour-and-a-half of beloved tunes. Hits such as “The First Cut is the Deepest,” “Have I Told You Lately,” and the timeless “Forever Young” filled the air as he commanded the stage.
“Everyone was buzzing about his remarkable appearance,” reported a witness from the event. “At 81, he moved around the stage with the energy and agility of someone much younger. Remarkably, he seemed fitter than many men half his age.”
Another enthusiastic guest remarked, “Rod is in fantastic form—his voice was absolutely phenomenal!”
Stewart told Page Six, “Music gave me my direction when I was a young lad, and I’ve never forgotten it. What Stevie’s built with TeachRock is the real deal — getting music back into classrooms and giving kids that same spark. Sharing a stage with him in Southampton for a cause like this? That’s what it’s all about.”
Stewart recently had fans worried about his health. He canceled a show in San Diego, California June 12 “on the advice of his doctors and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis,” but angered fans when he was seen cheering at a World Cup match the next day.
He also postponed his shows at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, June 16 and 16, citing vocal rest.
On June 22, he paused his concert in Utah and used an oxygen tank on stage. The altitude may have played a factor.
He had also previously canceled two Vegas shows in May.
But it seems like all is well.
A source tells us Stewart played the gig for the charity — which helps keep music in schools — for free.
Van Zandt joined Stewart onstage for performances of “We’re Having a Party” and “Stay With Me.”
The night raised $1.7 million dollars for the charity, which boasts founding members Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese, and Bruce Springsteen.
A dinner with E Street Band member Van Zandt and three other actors from the “Sopranos,” cast in Little Italy was auctioned to two people for $80,000 (combined $160,000) in front of guests including Ramona Singer, Georgina Chapman, Chris and Christina Cuomo, Stefano Tonchi and Fern Mallis.
Stewart will be back on stage at Jones Beach on Friday, July 31.