![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/79\/590x\/secondary\/Penny-and-Rod-5085361.jpg?r=1700937291202\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The legendary rocker prefers to work on his model railway.<\/p>\n
The committed star also refuses to speak to preserve his voice while on the road and insists on starting his shows bang on time. In fact, Rod, 78, says his only major addiction is performing.<\/p>\n
He wrapped up his 11-year residency in Las Vegas last week after notching up hundreds of shows for loyal fans.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThat two hours on stage is the most potent drug you can imagine.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s highly addictive. It\u2019s the bloody in-between time I don\u2019t like, sitting in hotel rooms. Although when I’m sat around like that, I build my model railroad so that I\u2019m not idle.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s something I\u2019m working on for five or six hours a day.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile all the banders are sitting around picking their noses, I\u2019m occupied.\u201d<\/p>\n
To preserve his vocal chords, he also admits: \u201cI wear a sign that says, \u2018Doctor\u2019s orders, can\u2019t speak, voice rest\u2019. I\u2019m particular about that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also like to start the show right when it\u2019s announced, whether the place is full or not, whether people are late coming in or not.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnybody can tell you that in Vegas I go on at 7.30pm sharp. I like to think I\u2019ve always been a true professional and that hasn\u2019t changed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Next year, Rod will team up with fellow model railroad enthusiast Jools Holland for a swing album, Swing Fever.<\/p>\n
The duo have covered James Brown\u2019s classic hit Night Train for the album, out in February, and are already eyeing a number of small gigs across the UK.<\/p>\n
And Rod says a return to the US could be on the cards with Lady Gaga proving swing sells in Vegas, thanks to her current Jazz & Piano residency on the famous strip. He says: \u201cI\u2019m not sure what\u2019s next. Purely, I love Caesar\u2019s Palace. They treat me like a king.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I\u2019ve made a swing album with Jools Holland and really want to start singing that stuff. I want to promote it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I go back to Vegas, maybe I could do a swing show, big band stuff. Who knows? Lady Gaga is a good singer.\u201d<\/p>\n