Just days after cancelling a string of concerts due to illness, Sir Rod Stewart has stunned fans with a deeply personal and haunting confession: “I feel like I’m running out of time too.”
The 80-year-old music legend joined Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 to speak ahead of his highly anticipated return to the Glastonbury Festival, where he will headline the iconic Legends slot. But rather than just discussing music, Rod also reflected candidly on mortality, ageing, and why retirement simply isn’t an option for him.
“My dear record company wants me to make a country album. There’s so much going on I’ve had to drop a few things,” he began. “I’m very busy and thank the Lord I am—because once you give up your career, you fade into oblivion. Nothing to wake up for.”
Then came the rawest moment. He added: “I feel like I’m running out of time too.” But instead of letting that fear slow him down, he used it as fuel: “I think I’ll keep singing until I fall flat on stage like Tommy Cooper—or while watching Celtic win another trophy.”
Rod’s comments follow the cancellation of six U.S. shows as he continues recovering from the flu. Fans were concerned it might signal something more serious. But the singer reassured them with his usual flair: “I shall never retire. I was put on this earth to be a singer, and I’ll keep doing it for as long as the good Lord lets me.”
His upcoming Glastonbury set marks a long-awaited return to the Pyramid Stage, more than 20 years since he last performed at the legendary event. Rod hinted at three special guests—one of whom is his former Faces bandmate and Rolling Stones icon Ronnie Wood.
Even as he acknowledges time may be running short, Rod Stewart is determined to go out doing what he loves—on his own terms.
