Sir Rod Stewart, 78, Returns to Stage after Illness with a Lively Appearance

Sir Rod Stewart is back on stage after his illness and looks to be enjoying himself (Picture: Don Arnold/WireImage)

Sir Rod Stewart has once again taken up the mic after a viral infection forced him to cancel a concert earlier this month.

The Maggie Mae singer, 78, is currently on his world tour, but plans were scuppered when he fell ill and cancelled a gig in Geelong, Australia last-minute.

But no fear, Young Turks rockers, as the legend is back up on stage doing what he does best, and in style, too.

Making an appearance in Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on March 29, Rod looked the picture of health as he performed his many hits for delighted fans.

The leopard print blazer said it all, as the star opened his lungs for the crowd, and finished off the look with some striped trousers, a low-necked white shirt and his staple messy blonde hair.

The illness was a viral infection, according to Sir Rod, who revealed details of the cancellation while sitting on a sofa dressed in, yep, another white shirt.

The rocker looked like he had a real spring in his step (Picture: Don Arnold/WireImage)

Sir Rod’s Australian fans must’ve been very relieved as he took to the stage in Sydney (Picture: Don Arnold/WireImage)

‘I had a slight setback here in Melbourne, I had to miss a show because I had step throat, but I am fine now and I will be there, I am looking forward to it,’ he said.

A statement released by promoters announcing the cancellation read: ‘Live Nation and Roundhouse Entertainment regret to announce that tonight’s performance by Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens at Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong will not go ahead due to illness.

‘We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience for ticket holders. A further announcement regarding the concert arrangements will be made early next week.’

This comes after Sir Rod offered to pay for NHS scans on hearing about lengthy waiting lists, as he insisted it was his duty as ‘a knight’.

He arrived in a white Rolls-Royce to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, and announced to reporters and NHS staff he was going to pay for scans that day.

‘Hopefully these are people that are finding trouble to get a scan, either because of the backlog or lack of finances. So, here I am, a knight in shining armour,’ he joked.

‘And I am a knight, by the way. That’s why I want to do good things. I’m not doing it for publicity, I get enough of that.’