By JULIE ANN TRAINOR
Published: | Updated:
Sir Rod Stewart has given an update on his health after undergoing heart surgery as he enjoyed a date night at the theatre with his wife Penny Lancaster on Thursday.
The couple, who married in 2007, looked more than loved-up as they departed Aldwych Theatre after watching Sinatra The Musical.
Rod, 81, looked stronger than ever as he munched on a packet of Maltesers just weeks after he had a coronary stent fitted after doctors found a blockage caused by an 'underlying heart issue'.
When asked how his health is doing at the gala night, Rod gleefully replied: 'F****** brilliant! I swam 400metres the other day.'
The couple risked a parking fine as they arrived and exited in his flashy white Rolls-Royce which was parked outside the theatre on double yellow lines for the entire duration of the show.
Rod announced he is retiring from the stage last month after six decades with one last tour – saying it is 'time to say farewell'.
Sir Rod Stewart has given an update on his health after undergoing heart surgery as he enjoyed a date night at the theatre with his wife Penny Lancaster on Thursday
The couple, who married in 2007, looked more than loved-up as they departed Aldwych Theatre after watching Sinatra The Musical
Yet Penny, 55, insisted Rod isn't slowing down anytime soon as she quipped 'he's never retiring!'
Despite his announced retirement, Penny said: 'He is world touring! He's going to be touring until 2028 doing the Rock n Roll and then he changes direction to the Great American Songbook.'
He also touched on the close relationship and deep musical connection that he shared with the late Frank Sinatra, who died in 1998.
Rod said: 'His [Sinatra's] daughters are godmothers to two of my children, so we have a close family, but he always offered good advice.'
The musician wore a quirky black suit which he paired with a satin shirt and glittering trainers, while Penny put on a leggy display in a black leather pleated miniskirt.
The singer said his The Final Encore dates next year will 'definitely be my last'.
Rod was forced to cut short his One Last Time farewell tour in the US earlier this year because of the operation.
In an update last month he said: 'After much deliberation and sadness I have to announce that next year will be my last tour forever ever. This will be the last rock and roll tour.
Rod looked stronger than ever as he munched on a packet of Maltesers just weeks after he had a coronary stent fitted after doctors found a blockage caused by an 'underlying heart issue'
The couple risked a parking fine as they arrived and exited in his flashy white Rolls Royce which was parked outside the theatre on double yellow lines for the entire duration of the show
Their driver stood outside the vehicle all night until the show finished
Penny, 55, insisted Rod isn't slowing down anytime soon as she quipped 'he's never retiring!'
Penny put on a leggy display in a black leather pleated miniskirt
Meanwhile Rod looked dapper in a suit which he paired with a satin shirt and glittering trainers
'So I want to thank you for everything you have given me and hopefully I've given you something in return.'
The 21-date European tour will kick off in Dublin on April 23 next year and finish in Hannover, Germany, on July 24. UK concerts include Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London.
In a further statement he added: 'My dear friends, the time has come to say farewell to life on the road. After more than six decades, The Final Encore will most definitely be my last.
'I've been singing the music I love since I was 19 years old, and I've had the privilege of taking it around the world to all of you.
'It has given me a life beyond anything I could ever have imagined, and I hope I've given you some fond memories in return.
'So, may I take this opportunity to thank you for making this extraordinary life possible. I hope you'll join me so I can thank you the best way I know how… with the music and one hell of a show. See you there.'
Rod has been on the road with his One Last Time tour since March, but pulled out of a number of concerts in June after suffering from an acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis and vocal strain.
He then cancelled more shows after undergoing the heart surgery last month to allow himself time to recover and being told to stay off the stage for at least four weeks.