Sir Rod Stewart has said his “greatest joy has always been performing” for his fans as he celebrated turning “80 years young”.
The veteran rocker marked his milestone birthday on Friday by sharing a series of photos from across his life and 60-year career including being knighted by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.
He thanked well-wishers for sending “wonderful” birthday messages to him in an Instagram post which also featured images of him performing on stage in his younger years, attending his son’s wedding and racing Sir Elton John on a football field.
Sir Rod wrote: “Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes – 80 years young!
“What an incredible journey it’s been – from unforgettable moments on and off the stage to earning some truly special honours along the way.
“But above all, my greatest joy has always been performing for you.
“Cheers to the memories we’ve made and the ones still to come! #80YearsOfRod.”
The singer, known for the hits include Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?, Hot Legs and Maggie May, is set to play the coveted teatime Legends slot at Glastonbury in June.
He promised last year he would not retire but confirmed his 2025 European and North American shows will bring an end to his “large-scale world tours”, with his next slate to be held at more intimate venues.
His wife Penny Lancaster, who he married in 2007, said she felt “so blessed” to share his 80th birthday with him and their children.
“Building more memories to carry with us into the future and to be held close to our hearts forever, I love you xx”, she added in an Instagram post alongside a photo of Sir Rod in what appeared to be a sunny, and oversees destination, which has been reported to be a Caribbean island.
The couple share two children while Sir Rod also has six other children, including socialite Kimberly Stewart, model Ruby Stewart and reality star and musician Sean Stewart, from previous relationships.
Former Britain’s Next Top Model host Lisa Snowdon, TV presenter Davina McCall, Sir Rod’s tour singer Becca Kotte, TV presenter Lizzie Cundy, pianist and BBC music show host Jools Holland all commented with birthday messages for the singer on Lancaster’s post.
Holland, who released the album Swing Fever with Sir Rod last year, wrote: “Many happy returns dear pal xxx.”
McCall added: “Happy Birthday Rod! Thank you for all the joy and dancing!!! Hope you all have the best day.”
Sir Elton John wished his “great mate” Sir Rod a happy birthday with a collection of images of them together over the years, adding: “Hope you have a brilliant day celebrating. Much love.”
The pair, who have been occasional rivals, duetted together on the track Sad Songs (Say So Much) when Sir Elton received the first Brits Icon Award in 2013.
The Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood shared a picture of the pair in their younger days to Instagram to mark the occasion.
Wood, who was in the band Faces with Sir Rod, wrote: “Happy 80th birthday @sirrodstewart! My lifelong pal is having a big birthday today! Please join me in wishing him a wonderful day.”
Drummer Kenney Jones, known for The Small Faces, The Faces, The Law and The Who, also said he hoped Sir Rod has “a great day”.
Sir Rod, who will end his European tour in May and North American dates in August, is a member of the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and was knighted by the late Queen in 2016 for his services to music and charity.
