For decades, Rod Stewart was the picture of rock star excess — wild nights, beautiful women, and a trail of heartbreaks. But now, at 80, the British music legend is finally opening up about the darker side of that glamorous past. “I was sickened by myself,” he admitted in a recent interview, his voice heavy with regret.

The confession came during a deeply personal sit-down where Stewart reflected on the romantic affairs that once defined his image. He revealed that fame, ego, and a lack of emotional maturity drove him to hurt the people he loved the most. “I wasn’t a good man to many of them,” he said bluntly, refusing to sugarcoat his actions.

What makes Stewart’s admission so powerful is its rawness — there was no PR spin, no excuses. He described the shame he still carries for being unfaithful in multiple relationships, including with women he truly cared for. “It wasn’t about love. It was about proving something to myself, and I didn’t like what I became.”

Among those he hurt were some of the most iconic women in entertainment, from Britt Ekland to Alana Stewart. He spoke of the tears behind closed doors and the apologies that came far too late. “They didn’t deserve that pain,” he confessed. “I just wish I could turn back time and treat them with the respect they deserved.”

Stewart said the turning point came not from public backlash or scandal — but from fatherhood. Watching his daughters grow into strong, independent women made him re-evaluate how he had treated the women in his past. “I wouldn’t want any man doing to them what I did to their mothers,” he said with visible pain.

He also credited his wife, Penny Lancaster, for being a catalyst in his transformation. “She taught me what real love is — it’s not ego, it’s not possession, it’s loyalty,” he said. “I had to earn her trust, and that meant facing my own demons.” Stewart described the process of healing as “years of internal work and brutal honesty.”

In a culture where male rock stars are rarely held accountable, Stewart’s confession breaks a mold. He isn’t just sharing a sad story; he’s taking responsibility. “I don’t want to be remembered for the hearts I broke,” he said. “I want to be remembered for trying to make it right.”

He admitted that for years, he pushed guilt aside with alcohol and laughter, thinking charm could erase damage. But it never did. “The guilt would creep in when the spotlight faded,” he said. “And the silence at night was deafening.”

Now, Stewart says he’s trying to lead by example — not just as an artist, but as a man. He’s mentoring younger musicians about the cost of indulgence, urging them to cherish what matters. “The music lasts, but broken trust does too,” he warned. “Don’t be the reason someone stops believing in love.”

The reaction from fans has been a mixture of heartbreak and admiration. Many applaud him for his honesty, saying it gives them hope that change is possible — even after a lifetime of mistakes. “We all mess up,” one fan wrote. “But owning it like this takes guts.”

For Stewart, this moment of reckoning isn’t about headlines — it’s about legacy. “I’ve sung a million love songs,” he said. “But now I want to live one — with truth, grace, and no more lies.” The legendary singer hopes that by telling the truth, he can inspire others to do the same.

As he prepares for his final tours, Stewart says he’s no longer chasing applause or validation. “I’ve had all the glory,” he said. “What I want now is peace — and the forgiveness of those I hurt.” His voice cracked slightly, but his eyes were resolute.

This isn’t the Rod Stewart of the tabloids — it’s a man who’s looked in the mirror and chosen to face himself. “I was sickened by myself,” he repeated. “But I’m proud of the man I’m becoming.” A final note in a long song — honest, haunting, and profoundly human