If you’ve seen a current picture of Rod Stewart lately, you probably noticed the hair first. It’s still there. That spiky, gravity-defying blonde mane that has essentially become its own trademarked entity since the 1970s. Honestly, it’s impressive. While most of his contemporaries have opted for the "distinguished gentleman" buzz cut or, well, let nature take its course, Sir Rod is leaning harder than ever into the "Rock Cock" aesthetic.
But there’s a lot more to his 2026 look than just a good hairstylist and some high-hold wax.
At 81 years old (he hit the big 8-0 in January 2025), Stewart isn't exactly slowing down to garden in the English countryside. He’s currently crisscrossing the globe for his "One Last Time" tour, which—despite the name—keeps getting extended well into 2026. If you look at photos from his recent stops at the Hollywood Bowl or his "Encore" residency at Caesars Palace, you’re seeing a man who refuses to dress his age. And frankly? It works.
The 2026 Aesthetic: Animal Prints and Floral Suits
Rod Stewart has never been a "jeans and a t-shirt" kind of guy. Even now, his stage wardrobe is a chaotic, glorious mix of high-fashion peacocking. In recent months, he’s been spotted wearing:
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- Sequined bolero jackets that look like they were plucked straight from a 1975 Faces tour.
- Floral silk blazers paired with pinstripe trousers (a look he rocked recently alongside his wife, Penny Lancaster).
- Leopard-print accessories, including a handbag strap seen in a recent birthday snap shared by Penny.
- Bright yellow and electric blue suits that would wash out a man half his age.
He’s skinny. That’s the other thing people notice in every current picture of Rod Stewart. He maintains a physique that allows him to wear slim-fit tailoring that most octogenarians wouldn't dare touch. This isn't just luck. He’s been vocal about his fitness regimen, which involves a trainer he’s had for nearly 40 years and a fairly intense "underwater training" routine in his home pool. He literally dives for bricks to keep his lung capacity up for those high notes in "Maggie May."
What’s the Story with the Health Updates?
You might have seen some headlines back in late 2024 or early 2025 about Rod saying his "days were numbered." It sent the internet into a bit of a tailspin. People started analyzing every paparazzi shot for signs of frailty.
Turns out, he was mostly taking the piss.
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In May 2025, he clarified to Hello! Magazine that he was in great health and actually aiming to set fitness records for his age group. He did have a knee replacement a while back, which ended his amateur soccer days, but he’s still nimble enough to kick soccer balls into the crowd during his shows. If you look at the high-resolution shots from his 2026 tour dates, the "wear and tear" is there—he’s 81, after all—but the energy in his eyes is remarkably sharp.
The Business of Being Rod (Beyond the Mic)
His current look isn't just about the stage; it’s about the brand. He’s been heavily promoting Wolfie’s Whisky, his blended Scotch brand. When he shows up to launch events in places like Germany or Las Vegas, he’s often seen "behind the stick" (the bar), pouring shots and looking like the world’s coolest grandfather.
In these candid, non-stage photos, he often opts for a more relaxed but still distinctly "Rod" style:
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- Unbuttoned linen shirts.
- Stacked silver necklaces.
- His signature trainers (he’s a big fan of stylish sneakers over stiff dress shoes these days).
Dealing with the "Farewell" Confusion
There is a bit of a misconception that every current picture of Rod Stewart is a "final" glimpse. The tour is called "One Last Time," but he has been very transparent about the fact that he isn't retiring. He’s just moving away from the massive, grueling world tours.
He’s already teased a shift toward the "Great American Songbook" and swing music for his 2026 and 2027 plans. This means fewer stadiums and more intimate, theater-style settings. Basically, the suits might get even classier, and the hair might get a little more "refined," but the legend isn't going anywhere.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking for the most authentic "Rod" experience or want to see the man in person before he scales back the big productions:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: He has 15 U.S. dates added for Spring/Summer 2026, including iconic stops like Red Rocks and the Hollywood Bowl.
- Vegas is Your Best Bet: The "Encore Shows" at Caesars Palace are where you get the best production value and the most "up-close" look at his current vibe.
- Follow the Family: If you want the real, unedited photos, skip the news sites and check Penny Lancaster’s social media. She posts the candid family shots that show Rod at home, usually looking remarkably normal in a tracksuit—though he’s probably still wearing the hair.
The takeaway? Rod Stewart is 81 and still looks like he’s having the time of his life. He isn't trying to hide his age; he’s just refusing to let it dictate his wardrobe.
Next Steps for You: You can track his 2026 tour availability through official vendors like Ticketmaster to see if he's hitting a city near you before the "One Last Time" trek officially wraps up.