Rod Stewart, the legendary singer whose voice has resonated across decades with timeless hits, is back on stage this year, touring with his latest album The Tears of Hercules. Along with new material, he continues to perform his beloved classics. However, Stewart’s return to music comes after an arduous journey, both personally and physically, overcoming significant health challenges.
Overcoming Thyroid Cancer
In a candid appearance on ITV’s Loose Women, Rod revealed that he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Though the news was alarming, his battle with the disease was surprisingly brief. Rod explained, “I was diagnosed with a little thyroid cancer. It vanished in just five minutes thanks to a swift and painless operation.” While the surgery was quick and successful, it came with an unforeseen consequence: the temporary loss of his iconic singing voice.
Rod shared the emotional toll this had on him: “It was a dreadful time because I couldn’t utter a single note.” The surgery, which involved significant work on his vocal cords, left him unable to sing, a devastating outcome for someone whose career is built around his vocal prowess. Despite this setback, Rod remained determined to regain his voice.
The Road to Recovery
Rod’s recovery journey was challenging, but his dedication helped him slowly regain his ability to sing. “I spent a tremendous amount of time working on it,” he explained, referring to the extensive vocal exercises he undertook. Drawing from his own experience with his hit song Maggie May, Rod found comfort and hope in the fact that, with persistence, his voice returned within six months.
In an interview with USA Today, he expressed gratitude that his cancer had been detected early and removed without much physical consequence. “Physically, I’m in excellent health now,” he said, reflecting on how overcoming cancer and regaining his voice gave him a new perspective on life. He added, “Anyone who’s faced something potentially life-threatening will tell you it puts everything into perspective.”
A Vulnerable Reflection
Rod’s battle with cancer not only affected his health but also left him with a deeper sense of vulnerability. In his memoir, he opened up about how the experience changed him, admitting that it left him feeling “afraid and vulnerable” in ways he had never experienced before. Despite this, he expressed relief that the cancer was caught early, sparing him the need for chemotherapy and its potential side effects, including hair loss.
Humorously, Rod joked about the potential impact on his career if he lost his hair, saying, “Let’s be honest, losing my hair would only rank second to losing my voice when considering the risks to my career.”
A Second Health Scare
Rod’s health challenges didn’t end with thyroid cancer. In 2019, he revealed that he had been treated for prostate cancer, a diagnosis he received in 2017. He shared his story at a Prostate Project charity event, emphasizing the importance of early detection. “I’m now completely free and clear, having caught it early,” he said, urging men to get regular check-ups: “Guys, it’s essential to get checked… a little discomfort can be lifesaving.”
Rod’s resilience and openness about his health battles have not only allowed him to return to his music but have also inspired others to prioritize their health. His journey serves as a reminder of the strength it takes to face life-threatening challenges and the power of early detection in saving lives.
