70... but Rod’s not talking about it
He may be 70 today but the morning light, when it’s in his face, doesn’t really show his age.
with only a wrinkle or three betraying his entry into his eighth decade Rod stewart is, as he once famously sang, wearing it well.
The spiky blond hair, now shot with grey, may be another giveaway of his seniority, but the singer’s tradem ark gravel voice is still at the top of the charts and he continues to delight audiences all over the world.
His photographer wife, Penny Lancaster, the mother of Alastair and Aiden, youngest of the singer’s eight children, has organised a big bash to mark his milestone birthday at their home in essex.
But while grateful for her devotion, the thrice-married superstar remained unimpressed yesterday with the party plans.
‘I’m trying to get out of it,’ confessed the multiple Grammy and Brit award winner, who added: ‘Birthdays don’t mean anything to me.’
Getting out of celebrating such a landmark occasion may be a forlorn hope for the Tartan Army fan and Celtic supporter.
But the singer, best known for hits such as sailing, Maggie May and I Don’t wanna Talk About It, is resigned to welcoming family and friends this evening. He said: ‘Birthdays come and they go and they don’t worry me at all.’
stewart also insisted that turning 70 will not persuade him that it is time to hang up his microphone.
At an age when many men are content with a pipe and slippers, he continues to maintain a formidable workload.
In March, he is due to leave for Australia on a two-month tour. It is just one of the many commitments in the year ahead for the former Faces singer whose career has encompassed skiffle, rock, blues, soul and, latterly, the classics of the great American songbook.
stewart said: ‘I am booked all the way through 2015. And, most importantly, the people are still coming out to see me, something I very much appreciate.’
Fan adulation is nothing new – stewart has been enjoying it for a very long time now, having been a star for more than half a century. In that time he has sold 100 million records, which have i ncluded six consecutive chart-topping albums and 62 hit singles.
The entertainer is, however, a realist, and he conceded that he is on the last lap of an astonishing career.
stewart added: ‘I know it is something that can’t go on forever, obviously, but I’ve still got the energy.
‘The voice is still in good shape and, most importantly, I am still enjoying it.’