Sir Rod Stewart said alcohol is to credit for much of his songwriting success, with his favourite wines helping him to write many of his hit songs.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror about his career, the 75-year-old said when his singing days first began, his bosses would shut him in hotel rooms with plenty of grog to kickstart the writing process.

Rod said at times he would be locked in the room with a bottle of wine for four or five hours at a time in hopes that he would come up with another incredible song.

“I’d hear them all in the corridor, laughing, at the Holiday Inn: ‘Oh year, look at Stewart. He is there trying to finish the lyrics’,” he told The Mirror.

But, like everyone else, Rod said he wasn’t always confident the lyrics he came up with were going to be transformed into hit songs, and he at times worried they were too corny. During the chat with The Mirror, the talented performer said it’s the worst feeling when you think what you’re writing is “absolute tripe”.

“You’ve really got it or you haven’t,” he told the publication. “It’s either in your blood or it’s a natural feel for music. I’ve always loved listening to music.”

Rod was meant to be touring around the America this year, however, like many artists he’s been forced to hold off performing due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. But, it hasn’t dampened the star’s sprit, with Rod spending some extended time instead with his loving wife Penny Lancaster.

They’ve been married for more than a decade and it looks like there’s still plenty of love between them. The stylish couple, who recently celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary, stepped out in London earlier this month looking every bit the A-list celebrities that they are.

Penny, 49, opted for a striking fuchsia satin dress for the night out. She finished the look with black pointed heels, a matching bag and wore her freshly coloured blonde locks out straight. Meanwhile, Rod showed off his signature quirky style in a metallic silver sports jacket, a striped orange scarf and a striking pair of dress shoes.

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Former model Penny also took to social media to share a picture from the outing, writing: “Celebrations of hair cuttings. So happy to be out on the town! Cheers, and stay safe.”