8 Shocking Revelations From Rod Stewart’s Latest Interviews: Life At 80, Retirement, And New Music

Sir Rod Stewart, the legendary rock and roll icon, is proving that 80 is the new 60, offering candid and often surprising insights into his life, career, and future plans in a series of recent interviews throughout 2024 and 2025. The latest updates confirm that while the "One Last Time" farewell tour signals a shift in his touring schedule, the raspy-voiced singer has absolutely no intention of retiring from music, with a brand-new, unexpected album project already in the works. The rock veteran, known for hits like "Maggie May" and "Forever Young," has been remarkably open about everything from his health battles to his family life with wife Penny Lancaster, painting a picture of a man who is deeply content but still driven by his passion for performing. His current reflections provide a fresh look at the legacy of a star who has spent over six decades in the spotlight.

Sir Rod Stewart: Complete Biography and Profile

Sir Roderick David Stewart’s life is a sprawling epic of rock and roll, marked by a distinctive voice and a career that has spanned multiple genres and generations. His recent interviews offer a reflective look back while firmly focused on the present.

• Full Name: Sir Roderick David Stewart
• Born: January 10, 1945
• Birthplace: Highgate, North London, England
• Current Age (as of late 2025): 80
• Key Early Bands: The Jeff Beck Group, The Faces
• Signature Songs: "Maggie May," "Sailing," "Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)," "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?," "Forever Young"
• Key Albums: Every Picture Tells a Story, Gasoline Alley, Never a Dull Moment, The Great American Songbook series
• Spouses: Alana Hamilton (m. 1979; div. 1984), Rachel Hunter (m. 1990; div. 2006), Penny Lancaster (m. 2007–present)
• Children (8): Sarah Streeter, Kimberley Stewart, Sean Stewart, Ruby Stewart, Renee Stewart, Liam Stewart, Alastair Wallace Stewart, Aiden Patrick Stewart
• Notable Health Battles: Thyroid cancer (early 2000s), Prostate cancer (diagnosed 2016, in remission)

The Truth About Retirement: Why the "One Last Time" Tour Isn't the End

Despite the emotional weight of his "One Last Time" farewell tour, Rod Stewart has been crystal clear in his latest press appearances: he is not retiring from music, only from the grueling schedule of large-scale world tours.

A Shift in Focus, Not a Halt: Stewart, who turned 80 in 2025, explained that while "all things have to come to an end," his passion for recording and performing remains strong. The decision to step back from massive global treks is a practical one, allowing him to focus on more intimate, less physically demanding projects.

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The Las Vegas Residency Continues: One of the key ways he plans to maintain his musical output is through his successful Las Vegas residency show. This format allows him to connect with fans without the constant travel and logistical headaches of a world tour, ensuring his distinctive raspy voice continues to be heard live.

The Surprise New Album: In a truly fresh revelation, Stewart confirmed in a 2024 interview that he is shifting gears from his critically acclaimed Great American Songbook series to an entirely new project: a swing album. This move demonstrates his continued desire to explore new musical avenues, keeping his discography fresh and surprising for his audience.

Candid Reflections on Family, Health, and Having "No Bucket List"

In his recent sit-downs with publications like AARP and in joint appearances with his wife, Penny Lancaster, Stewart provided deep, personal insights into his life away from the stage, focusing heavily on gratitude and fulfillment.

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The "No Bucket List" Confession: Perhaps the most surprising candid admission was his statement that he has "no bucket list" items left. Stewart explained that he feels he has achieved everything he ever wanted in life, a rare and profound statement from a global superstar. This sense of completion speaks to his contentment at this stage of his life, having successfully navigated both professional and personal triumphs.

Penny Lancaster and Marriage: His relationship with Penny Lancaster remains a central topic. The couple appeared together on the BBC’s 'Anita Rani's My Life at Christmas,' where they discussed the strength of their marriage and the challenges they have overcome. Stewart often credits Penny for bringing stability and happiness to his life, especially as they raise their two sons, Alastair and Aiden, alongside his six other children.

Fatherhood and His 8 Children: As a father of eight children by five women, Stewart has a uniquely large blended family. He reflected on adapting his parenting style to suit each child, acknowledging that he has been "several different fathers" over the years. His reflections highlight the importance of family, even as he continues his demanding professional life.

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Health Battles and Gratitude: Stewart has been an advocate for men's health, having successfully battled both thyroid cancer and prostate cancer. In a "Big Interview" with Dan Rather, he spoke openly about his experience with thyroid cancer, emphasizing his hopes and regrets and expressing immense gratitude for his health.

The Legacy and Topical Authority of Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart’s continued relevance is a testament to his versatility, moving seamlessly between rock, folk music, soul music, R&B, and the polished standards of The Great American Songbook. His career, which began by busking with a harmonica in 1962, has established him as a cornerstone of British rock history.

A True Rock Pioneer: Before his solo success, his work with The Jeff Beck Group and especially The Faces (alongside Ronnie Wood) cemented his status as a raw, soulful rock vocalist. Albums like Every Picture Tells a Story, featuring the iconic "Maggie May," are consistently ranked among the greatest rock albums of all time.

The Unexpected AI Controversy: Even in his ninth decade, Stewart remains part of the current cultural conversation. Recent news mentioned a relative of Tupac Shakur having "no problem" with a Rod Stewart AI project, suggesting his name is still a relevant touchstone for modern music technology and tributes.

As Sir Rod Stewart enters his 80s, the picture painted by his latest interviews is one of a rock star who has truly done it all. His future may involve fewer globe-trotting tours, but with a new swing album on the horizon and a continued Las Vegas residency, his distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence will clearly remain a vibrant part of the music world for years to come.