Rod Stewart Breaks Silence on Secret Cancer Battle Before Glastonbury Comeback

When Rod Stewart steps onto the Glastonbury Festival stage this year, it won’t just be another performance. It’ll be a triumph over fear, illness, and the silence he kept for three long years.

The 79-year-old British rock icon, known for his unmistakable raspy voice and decades of chart-topping hits, recently revealed he battled a serious health scare in secret: a prostate cancer diagnosis he first received in 2016.

“It was a shock,” Stewart admitted, speaking candidly for the first time about the diagnosis. “When you are so close to something that is potentially life-threatening, you tend to get your life in perspective.”

Despite having no major symptoms, Stewart had been diligent about getting regular health screenings. That vigilance paid off—doctors caught the cancer early through a routine PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. Still, the news rattled him to his core.

The singer and his wife, Penny Lancaster, chose to keep the diagnosis private, sharing the news only with their older children while shielding their younger ones from the emotional toll. “We just didn’t want to worry them,” Stewart explained.

A Grueling Fight Behind the Spotlight

Doctors informed Stewart that the cancer had already begun spreading beyond the prostate, ruling out surgery. He began an intense three-month course of radiation therapy. At the same time, Stewart overhauled his lifestyle—adopting a cleaner diet, committing to regular exercise, and focusing on overall wellness.

In July 2022, he received the news every cancer patient longs to hear: he was officially in the clear.

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” Stewart said. “And that’s why I’ve got to speak out. Guys, you’ve got to really go to the doctor. Don’t ignore it. It could save your life.”

Now, Stewart is using his platform to raise awareness about men’s health—especially the importance of regular prostate screenings. It’s a mission fueled not only by his own experience, but also by what could’ve happened had he waited even a few months longer.

More Than One Battle

Rod Stewart is no stranger to health struggles. Back in 2000, he successfully battled thyroid cancer—a diagnosis that temporarily threatened his signature singing voice. More recently, a streak of illnesses—including strep throat, a bout of Covid-19 in 2024, and this year’s flu—forced him to cancel several high-profile concerts, including a run of shows in Las Vegas.

The cancellations prompted speculation over his ability to fulfill this year’s highly anticipated Glastonbury Festival appearance, where he’s set to perform during the coveted Sunday legends slot—23 years after his last performance at the iconic British music event.

But Stewart, ever the showman, is proving once again that he’s not one to back down from adversity.

A Life Less Ordinary

For Stewart, life has always been a whirlwind of music, fame, and family. He has eight children with five different women and recently welcomed a new grandchild, bringing the total count to four—with a fifth on the way. Despite the chaos of rock and roll, he remains deeply grounded by his role as a father and grandfather.

His health scares, he says, have only reinforced his commitment to those closest to him—and to the fans who have supported him through nearly six decades in music.

“Every time I get on stage now, it means more than ever,” Stewart confessed. “You never know what’s around the corner, so you’ve got to live it all while you can.”

Back Where He Belongs

Tonight, Stewart returns to Glastonbury as more than a rock legend—he’s a survivor. For fans gathering at Worthy Farm, the performance will be more than nostalgic; it’ll be a powerful reminder of resilience, aging gracefully, and the strength it takes to keep singing when life tries to take your voice away.

And for Stewart, the stage isn’t just where he belongs—it’s a symbol of everything he’s overcome.

“I’m here, I’m healthy, and I’m grateful,” he said. “And I’m not done yet.”