Penny Lancaster addressed concerns about her husband Rod Stewart's health on ITV's Loose Women, after the 81-year-old singer was seen using an oxygen tank during a performance near Salt Lake City, Utah. She described the incident as looking "a lot scarier than it really was."
Altitude and Respiratory Infection Combined
Lancaster explained that Stewart had cancelled a couple of shows prior due to a respiratory infection. He was recovering and felt well enough to perform, but was unaware that Salt Lake City's high altitude would pose an additional challenge. "The altitude levels, just for your regular person, is a challenge. If you're not acclimatised, like sportsmen would arrive before an event, a week before to acclimatise," she said.
Stewart flew in on the day of the show and was not acclimated to the altitude. Lancaster noted that he was already low on energy from his respiratory infection and lost an additional 17% of oxygen due to the altitude. During his two-hour show, which involves constant movement, the lack of oxygen suddenly hit him.
Oxygen Tanks Are Standard at Such Shows
Penny reassured viewers that oxygen tanks are available at these concerts for such situations. "Even the young ones, if they've had a late night out before a show, they can suffer. And they do," she explained.
She admitted it was hard to watch the footage, as Stewart is known for his fitness. "Rod is, as you know, a fitness king. I mean, he's fitter than most people my age. So it was uncomfortable to watch," she told co-stars Jane Moore, Charlene White and Coleen Nolan. However, she emphasized that it was purely due to altitude and lack of oxygen.
Stewart Finished the Show
Lancaster added that Stewart was able to finish the performance. She had received a message from him about what happened, and they maintain good communication despite being apart. "So he let me know. So when I saw it, it was still hard to watch," she said.
Loose Women airs on ITV at 12:30pm on weekdays.
