Rod Stewart, 77, reveals that a split from Penny Lancaster, 50, inspired his heartbreaking ballad cover of Picture In A Frame
They have been married for fourteen years and share two children.
Yet in the name of one of Rod Stewart’s classics, things were not always plain-sailing for him and Penny Lancaster as an unearthed interview with Australian magazine Life disclosed.
The rocker, who celebrated his 77th birthday on Monday, was once left heartbroken when the model, 50, walked out on him several years ago.
‘I asked her for a photo of herself in a frame’: Rod Stewart revealed that a split from Penny Lancaster inspired one of his heartbreaking ballad covers
The now-smitten couple overcame the rocky patch and the tumultuous time inspired Rod to sing about it on his 2013 album Time.
The crooner explained to the publication: ‘I cover Tom Waits’ Picture In A Frame.
‘Penny and I broke up for two weeks and the song is about that time. I asked her for a photo of herself in a frame so that I could see her when I went to bed and when I woke up.’
Tough time: The rocker, who celebrated his 77th birthday on Monday, was once left heartbroken when the model, 50, walked out on him several years ago (the pair pictured October 2021)
Rod is a proud father-of-eight – four sons and four daughters – and has been married three times.
He co-parents Kimberly, 42, and Sean, 41 with first wife Alana Stewart.
His second marriage was with model Rachel Hunter and the pair have 29-year-old Renee and Liam, 27.
He shares Ruby, 34, with ex-girlfriend Kelly Emberg and Sarah, 58, with another ex-partner, Susanna Boffey.
Rod and Penny are parents to sons Alastair, 16, and Aiden, 10.
Personal: The now-smitten couple overcame the rocky patch and the tumultuous time inspired Rod to sing about it on his 2013 album Time
The London-born rockstar detailed the lessons he’s learnt in love and marriage and admitted he had ‘taken a lot of risks’ when it came to romance.
‘My relationship rule is, “Don’t argue after a glass of wine, leave debating until the morning,”‘ he explained.
‘I have always loved women, won some, lost some, but it’s not about the magic touch, it’s about being a better person and a good listener.
‘I met Penny in my 50s and if I had not learnt by that point in my life I was never going to.’
Rod and third wife Penny crossed paths in 1999 when Rod hired her as a budding photographer to take photos of him on tour.
Brood: Rod is a proud father of eight – four sons and four daughters – and has been married three times
Throwback: Rod and third wife Penny crossed paths in 1999 when Rod hired her as a budding photographer to take photos of him on tour (pictured that year)
On Monday, the birthday boy marked his 77th birthday with a dapper Instagram post.
A suited and booted Rod looked debonair in a white suit jacket, posing for a photo with two equally spruce doormen.
Alluding to his Scottish ancestry, the singer wrote: ’77 never felt so good!! C’mon the Celtic’.
Many happy returns: On Monday, the birthday boy marked his 77th birthday with a dapper Instagram post