Penny Lancaster's Panic Before Rod Stewart's Epic Glastonbury Comeback

Rod Stewart, 81, faced a health crisis just days before his Glastonbury performance, battling flu that forced him to cancel pre-festival shows.

Medical intervention became necessary as he prepared for the highly-anticipated gig, which marked his return to the festival after 23 years. He shared on Instagram that doctors ordered him to rest, stating, "My doctor ordered a bit more rest while I recover from the flu. Thanks for your love and understanding."

Penny Lancaster, his wife, took action by bringing him to a throat specialist in London ahead of the event. This was no ordinary performance; it was a comeback for the ages.

After the examination, Stewart underwent extensive voice recovery methods, including voice coaching, hot and cold steaming, and strict vocal rest. His voice only returned two days before he hit the stage.

Penny revealed the gravity of his condition, saying, "He has never been so ill in his life. (But) it all turned around and he was on top of the world." She encouraged him to visualize success, urging him to "manifest this whole experience, because it’s going to happen."

The BBC planned to broadcast his performance as part of its Glastonbury coverage while the festival took a break in 2026. Stewart performed in the Legends slot last summer, with his teenage sons Alastair and Aiden, daughters Ruby and Renee, and their partners cheering him on from Worthy Farm.

Despite decades of experience performing for massive crowds, nerves gripped Stewart before stepping onto the stage. Penny disclosed that backstage was "electric," and shared his pre-stage ritual: a quick spin on an exercise bike to loosen up and a glass of Bacardi and Coke "for a little kickstart."

She noted his nervousness, recalling only having seen that look once before when he performed for the Queen at St James's Palace. However, those nerves dissipated quickly. After his set, she described his expression: "He had the biggest grin on his face... he said, 'We did it.'

Rod Stewart at Glastonbury 2025 is repeated on BBC Two on Saturday, June 27 at 10.50pm.