S Poddar
Gravelly tones that coursed across millions of faces, the future has come to be an uncertain one. Sir Rod Stewart, one of the legends of rock and roll, also famous for hits like “Maggie May,” is currently battling a health crisis that threatens his iconic voice. Now 79, the entertainer famous for ceaseless energy and boundless enthusiasm for performance, he was on the receiving end of a one-two punch: strep throat followed swiftly by Covid-19.
These have now caught up with the veteran performer, who is having to postpone a series of concerts—an action unlikely to be taken by a man who confesses to being a “workaholic.” Even his wife, Penny Lancaster, has often been on record expressing amazement at the tireless energy of her husband, telling of how he is always on the go. His gym regime, which he manages to maintain for three to four days a week even when touring, attests to this.
Yet, this indomitable spirit has been met by a bare dose of reality. Days after admission of his mortality, Stewart is in another full-on fight for his health. First, he had a bout of strep throat, with the next more serious challenge being Covid-19. His team made the announcement for the postponements on Instagram, stating that the singer was recovering from a “summer strain” of the virus.
While the whole world is on tenterhooks for Stewart’s comeback, medical experts sound a dire warning. GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical, Dr Chun Tang has warned of the long-term future risk to the singer’s voice from COVID-19. Chronic damage to the vocal cords would mean permanent hoarseness, reduced vocal range, or even vocal fold paralysis.
The implications for a singer of his caliber are immense. The chronic damage—vocal nodules or scarring—can be enshrined in failure to recover and treat appropriately. These can permanently alter the voice and end a career based on sonic brilliance.
The weight of these warnings hangs heavy in the air. Fans who have tasted what he is like to watch live can only cross their fingers for a quick and full recovery. As the music world holds its collective breath, one thing is clear: the voice which has come to define generations is fighting for its life.
