HE has partied and danced his way through life ever since his hit single Maggie May in 1971.
But as Sir Rod Stewart looks ahead to his landmark 80th birthday in January, he insists he has no plans to tone down his rock ’n’ roll ways.
In fact, as he kicks off his last run of Las Vegas shows after 13 years there, the Sailing singer plans to make full use of the “final 15 years” of his life and party into his 90s.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun from his home in Los Angeles, Rod says: “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.”
As he begins his final residency, The Hits at The Colosseum, Caesars Palace, Rod insists he still “goes mad” on the booze after each show, encouraging his dancers and musicians to knock it back.
Rod says: “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.
“The older you get, the more you have to do that. Water has a hell of a lot to do with it. 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.”
Asked what his go-to tipple is, rather than his own brand of Whisky Wolfie, Rod takes after James Bond and sips Martinis.
He says: “Before the show I have a quick Bacardi which I am trying to convince myself is good for my voice.
“After a show we all get stuck into the Martinis. Most bands all go home and go to bed but we don’t. We have a big old party.”
As well as celebrating backstage, Rod makes sure his gigs get everyone on their feet, with balloons dropping from the ceiling and at least four costume changes in the two-hour set.
The musician laughs: “I sweat a lot so I have to change or I get too wet.
“We have the change backstage down to a tee. It is funny, I have a bloke take my trousers off who runs over. He is the sound guy and yanks them off. I think it’s all part of showbiz really — you want to turn up and make it special. I can’t just go on in a pair of jeans. I think it’s an attractive side of rock ’n’ roll.”
Despite vowing not to tone down his love of a good time, Rod says he is more aware than ever about his health as he approaches his milestone birthday next year.
Rod, who has had both prostate and thyroid cancer, says: “I am more aware of my health now than before.
I’m f***ing mad, ain’t I? I do enjoy keeping myself fit. Sometimes you don’t want to do it but you’ve got to
Rod Stewart
“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.
“When I come back to the UK I am going to have my blood cleaned as I’ve been told it is a real boost to the system.”
Asked if, like many his age, he is on a high amount of prescribed tablets, Rod insists: “I’m not on any pills. No nothing. You’ve got to remember I’ve been doing this all my life — I don’t suffer after a show.
“Sometimes I take an anti- inflammatory if my knee is playing up but very rarely. I don’t need pills.
“I keep myself very, very fit. I have had the same trainer for 31 years. We work out three or four times a week.”
Keen to put his money where his mouth is, Rod is constructing a running track at his UK home to take on the “f***ing mad” mission of breaking the 100m sprint record for his age.
Rod says: “I am currently building a track at my house in Essex and I am going to try to beat the world record for a 79-year-old, which I think is about 17 seconds. I’m f***ing mad, ain’t I? I do enjoy keeping myself fit. Sometimes you don’t want to do it but you’ve got to.”
But while Rod is preparing for his final bow in Sin City, he has zero plans to slow down. In fact a UK tour with Jools Holland is on the cards.
He says: “Vegas is thriving and 13 years really did slip by quickly and it’s been a privilege — but in terms of moving on there’s a lot of things that come into consideration.
“I’ve done this album with Jools and we are trying to work out when we can do a short tour.
“Also, I don’t want to wear my welcome out in Vegas — we are still selling 90 per cent capacity every night, sometimes 100 per cent. I’ve not really made my mind up in terms of what’s next.
“I am just enjoying the moment. I will continue to do so. I’m pretty sure if I said I wanted to come back they would have me but there is plenty of time for that. I absolutely love the place.
“The only thing I don’t like is that if you play more than an hour and a half, which I always do, then I get told off for not letting the fans get back into the casinos to spend their money. The bastards!”
Looking ahead, proud dad-of-eight Rod says he is more content than ever.
After shifting 120million records and with 11 UK No1 albums under his belt, he says: “I’ve got ambitions like touring with Jools but no, I would feel greedy if I asked for anything more.
“I have had a good time and a good life and I’ve enjoyed myself, so I wouldn’t ask for anything more.
“Probably good health and good health for my children and happiness . . . and Celtic doing well.
You think I just have water on my rider? You’re talking to Rod Stewart here, mate. We go mad after every show
Rod Stewart
“We beat Man City the other day in a friendly. I am truly fanatical about Celtic still.”
In January, Rod will celebrate turning 80 by throwing a huge party.
Though keen to keep things a surprise, his wife Penny Lancaster, 53, has kept him in the dark about the details.
Rod says: “I have left my 80th up to my darling wife Penny but she has big plans afoot which she is not allowing me to talk about.
“I don’t even know what they are. I’ve just basically left it to her.
“All my kids are in on it — all my children and my grandkids are in on it. They know, and I don’t.”
Penny and Rod tied the knot in 2007 in Italy and a decade and a half later are more in love than ever.
He says: “I am an old romantic. We enjoy candle-lit dinners and we are still very much in love with each other. She is in England at the moment and I am in LA but she’s coming over on Monday.
“My top tips to keep the romance alive is being honest with each other and talking things through.
“That, and don’t have an argument just before you go to bed after loads of wine. Penny is amazing. A great, great lady.”
