At 80 years old, Rod Stewart is still delighting fans with energetic performances while sporting an impressively youthful head of blond rocker hair – so it’s perhaps no surprise that after decades in the industry, it was in November confirmed that he would play the Legends slot on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.
And experts have now revealed the secrets behind his vitality ahead of the appearance – which will mark 23 years since the musician’s last stint at the Somerset festival in 2002.
At the time of the announcement, the singer was 79 – and has since celebrated his milestone birthday.
Yet despite being decades older than many of the other acts in the line-up, the star has shown no signs of slowing down over recent years; not only displaying an impressive stamina, but also looking years younger than his age.
However, his ability to perform at the highest level is no accident, according to men’s health specialist GP Dr Jeff Foster, who described him as ‘the epitome of being the Peter Pan of pop, rarely ageing and with the looks and energy of someone at least two decades younger’.
The medical director of men’s health organisation manual.co, said that the octogenarian as ‘defying the typical expectations of ageing’.
This, the medic told FEMAIL, is ‘no accident’.
He explained: ‘Despite his advancing years, he’s managed to avoid the all-too-common “middle-age spread” and remains in top form, set to perform in front of thousands at Glastonbury.
Rod Stewart (pictured performing at the FireAid benefit concert in January this year in California) has an impressive amount of energy – especially as he is 80-years-old
‘That alone tells us this is a man who takes his health seriously.’
The medic said discipline likely plays a strong role in Sir Rod’s longevity – listing what type of activities this could include.
The rocker could be staving off the effects of ageing via a regular – and likely daily – exercise regime.
This, according to the doctor, may include activities like resistance training to preserve muscle mass.
‘We’re talking also talking a clean, protein-rich diet, minimal alcohol intake, and a well curated blend of vitamins and supplements,’ he continued.
In addition, Dr Foster suggested that Sir Rod could be working with a private GP behind the scenes, keeping track of vital health metrics.
‘Regular blood tests, hormone checks (particularly testosterone), and early interventions are key at this stage in a man’s life,’ the medic revealed.
‘A dip in these markers can rapidly accelerate the ageing process , but proactive management can keep a man feeling decades younger.’
While one doctor told FEMAIL that Rod Stewart may rely on a strict dietary and exercise regimen to stay fit, having a young family (pictured) also likely helps
The rocker (seen performing on during the Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace in 2022 as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations) says he is still enjoying his career
When it comes to the rocker, it’s not just his energy levels and health that make him seem younger than his years – his looks also knock off decades, according to Aesthetic Expert and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics Dr Ross Perry.
Dr Perry told FEMAIL: ‘Sir Rod Stewart looks incredible for his age, and in truth, should probably look decades older, especially considering the amount of time he’s spent in the sun over the years.’
The medic believes that Sir Rod ‘takes care of himself’, saying he ‘always appears healthy, with a warm glow to his skin’.
It’s not all about the effort Rod puts in though, Dr Perry suggested, noting: ‘From an aesthetic perspective, I’d say he’s genetically blessed with good skin, which does run in families, but lifestyle plays a huge role.’
In addition to this, steps that can be taken are all important factors, including a healthy diet, minimal sun exposure in later years, adequate sleep, and good skincare.
Dr Perry also considered the idea that Sir Rod may have had some help from aesthetic doctors over the years – though this is unconfirmed.
‘It’s very possible Sir Rod has had a few subtle ‘tweakments’ over the years,’ the medic told FEMAIL.
‘These might include a minor eyelid lift to counteract drooping or hooded lids, which is very common with age, and perhaps a touch of Botox around the eyes to soften crow’s feet.
One of the featured that shaves decades off Sir Rod’s appearance is his thick head of blonde locks
Sir Rod has been known for his decades of energy and fervour in the industry. Pictured in 1974, in London
The musician, pictured performing in 1975, has for several years been delighting fans with performances
‘His cheeks still look full, which often hollow with age, suggesting he may have had a small amount of dermal filler but if so, it’s been done very naturally and conservatively.’
Discussing another aspect of the musician’s youthful look, the expert added: ‘His teeth are also well-maintained, not unnaturally white or obviously veneered, but youthful and suited to his appearance. That’s likely the work of a skilled cosmetic dentist.’
One of Sir Rod’s features that cannot be ignored is his signature hairstyle, described by Dr Perry as on of his ‘most striking features’.
‘It’s remained largely unchanged for the last four decades, still thick, lustrous and highlighted blonde which is rare for a man of his age, as most would be experiencing significant greying or hair thinning by now,’ he continued.
‘His hair alone shaves years off his overall look.’
It has previously been reported that Sir Rod invests some time and money into his locks: it’s thought the 80-year-old has long been a client at London based salon Steven Carey salon in Mayfair, with his chauffeur-driven car regularly spotted pulling up at the salon’s doors.
Elsewhere it’s been speculated that the rocker spends thousands of pounds a year maintaining his impressive locks.
A full set of highlights at the salon on Maddox Street costs around £220 a pop, with Sir Rod likely needing his high-maintenance do tended to at least every six weeks; with three hours in the chair a likelihood.
Rod Stewart will play the Legends slot on the Pyramid Stage when he performs at Glastonbury later this year
The music icon is said to receive the A-List treatment when he attends the salon, with a lunch of sandwiches brought to his styling chair.
A source previously said: ‘Rod is quite pedantic about his locks. He gets high and lowlights put in every three weeks, and even if his hair doesn’t really need doing he’ll still come in to get it tweaked, either with a few strokes of colour or a tiny trim.’
Jason Hogan is Creative Master at expert colourists Josh Wood Atelier – and has told MailOnline that it’s clear the Maggie May crooner has a hairdresser tending to his tresses regularly.
‘Rod obviously has his hair cut regularly to maintain his signature style. When he was younger he probably had highlights regularly to maintain his colour.
‘Now, he probably has more white hair, he may uses a mixture of permanent hair colour as well highlights that allow him to achieve that blonde look without having to use so much bleach on hair.’
‘In terms of how people keep their hair throughout their life, genetics play a huge part in how we maintain our hair but with such amazing hair transplant therapies available these days it is very easy to hide receding hairlines and male pattern baldness,’ he continued.
‘Cosmetic treatments will always looks after the condition and quality of the hair. Making sure you are getting enough protein and collagen in your diet so the hair coming through is growing to its maximum capacity.’
A more unusual hair hack was revealed in 2021, when it was suggested that Sir Rod rubbed mayonnaise into his tresses to keep them strong and healthy.
Rod is almost as renowned for his mop of spiky blond hair as he is for his raspy singing voice, and is said to spend thousands a year on his famous mane (pictured in 2019)
According to reports, the singer even recommended Small Faces’ late frontman Steve Marriott give it a go.
Steve’s former tour manager Elliot Saltzman has told The Sun how the guitarist – who died in 1991 at the age of 44 – revealed Rod inspired his own spiky hairstyle.
Explaining the method behind Steve’s hairstyle, Elliot said: ‘[It] was created by putting mayonnaise on his hair and rubbing a towel on his head really fast. And he said he got this from Rod Stewart.’
The oily condiment has long been used as a DIY hair mask as it’s packed with nourishing properties.
Sir Rod’s 2025 Glastonbury appearance was announced by co-organiser Emily Eavis in a post on Instagram last year which read: ‘Bringing Sir Rod Stewart back for the Sunday afternoon slot on the Pyramid Stage is everything we could wish for.’
‘What a way to bow out with the final legends slot before we take a fallow year. We cannot wait.’
The singer will become one of the oldest artists to perform a major set at the event. Burt Bacharach played the Pyramid stage in 2015 at the age of 87, while Paul McCartney headlined the week after his 80th birthday back in 2022.
The five-day festival takes place in June at Somerset’s Worth Farm and draws in around around 200,000 music fans each year to watch some of the world’s biggest musicians perform.
The official Glastonbury tickets went on sale on November 14 and November 17. The stakes were even higher than usual, as 2026 will be a fallow year, meaning the festival will not go ahead.
Rod’s Glastonbury announcement also came just days after the rocker told fans he plans to end large scale world tours.
He had claimed his 2025 European and North American tour dates would be his last major projects – but admitted he didn’t want to hang up the microphone just yet.
‘This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire,’ the musician revealed.
‘I love what I do and I do what I love. I’m fit, have a full head of hair and can run 100 metres in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79.’
The Maggie May hitmaker added he wants to to perform at more intimate venues for his next tour slated for 2026, after the release of album Swing Fever with Jools Holland earlier this year.
He explained: ‘I’d like to move onto a Great American Songbook, Swing Fever tour the year after next – smaller venues and more intimacy. But then again, I may not. The ambiguous Sir Rod Stewart.’
Rod (pictured with wife Penny in February 2024 in London) has said he works out several times a week
Sir Rod is currently headlining a residency in Las Vegas from March until June at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Speaking to the Soccer A-Z podcast in 2024, Rod revealed: ‘Next year is really really busy but it is the best job in the world! I travel I sing, I’m happy and I have a drink after the show and I get paid for it!’ he exclaimed.
And the rocker is looking at many years in the game ahead.
Back in July last year, Sir Rod said he has ‘no fear’ about death ahead of his 80th birthday and added he aims to stick around for another 15 years.
He told The Sun: ‘I’m aware my days are numbered but I’ve got no fear. We have all got to pass on at some point, so we are all in the same basket. I am going to be enjoying myself for these last few years as much as I can. I say few — probably another 15. I can do that easy mate, easy.
‘I’m not like I was in the ’70s and ’80s and I can’t stay up all night, get drunk and go mad and still have a voice just like that. Nowadays I have to protect my voice before and after every show.
‘But no, you think I just have water on my rider? You’re talking to Rod Stewart here, mate. We go mad after every show. There are 13 of us, six women, really great musicians and I make them drink. We absolutely love it.’
In a recent Radio Times interview, the star also revealed that alcohol is usually a part of his performing ritual.
‘I looked at [my rider provision] the other day and I thought, what is all this s**t doing here?’ he said.
‘All I need is a few bottles of wine and some crisps, and that’s it. And there’s all these bloody things! What am I gonna do with them?
‘No houmous, but big piles of bananas and apples! And when you think the whole world’s bloody starving. I gotta do something about that. Thank you for reminding me.’
He also revealed that he gargles rum and coke before each show.
‘Been drinking that 40 years. I never drink it any other time,’ he continued. ‘The vocal cords need a lot of looking after. I mean, they’re absolute gold.’
Rod, who has had both prostate and thyroid cancer, said: ‘I am more aware of my health now than before. You should be when you start getting on a bit. It’s very important. I am a bit of a hypochondriac. I think men in particular should take advantage of all the wonderful medical science out there.’
Despite this, he revealed he doesn’t take any medication at all apart from the odd anti-inflammatory treatment if his knee is giving him trouble.
Rod has also said he works out three or four times a week and is kept on the straight and narrow by his personal trainer whom he has been working with for more than three decades.
While Sir Rod’s youthful appearance and impressive energy levels can be contributed to a number of scientific and medical factors, GP Dr Jeff Foster pointed out more factor that could be keeping the rocker young.
‘Let’s not underestimate the power of love,’ he told FEMAIL. ‘Having a younger partner like [wife] Penny and children later in life can be incredibly energising.
‘Staying mentally and physically active to keep up with family life keeps both body and brain agile.’
