Sir Rod Stewart was forced to cancel a concert at the last minute on Friday after falling ill, with fans already queuing outside the venue when the news broke.
The 81-year-old singer had been due to perform at Chula Vista’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in California. In a statement posted to Instagram, his team said: “Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California. He travelled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of his doctors and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis, he is unable to take to the stage this evening.”
Stewart later shared a photo of himself standing on the empty stage as the set was being dismantled around him, writing: “Well here I am in beautiful Chula Vista as the stage is being taken down around me. Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not. I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but unfortunately it just wasn’t possible. I will do my utmost to reschedule.”
The cancellation left fans devastated, with many taking to Reddit to share their frustration. “We arrived to the gate and they told us it was canceled 5 minutes ago. There was even people inside already waiting!” one wrote. Another said: “Oh man, I just got turned away at the gate! Hope everyone is ok.” A third added: “We spent 4 hours driving down in the traffic and waiting around.”
The news carries added weight given Stewart has hinted the tour could be his last. He is currently on his “One Last Time” tour, which began in 2024, and speaking on TalkSport last month he suggested it may be his final run of shows. “I’ve got 40-odd shows this year and that’s not really a lot,” he said. “And I’m touring the UK next year and doing the O2 and that will probably be it, I think. I’ll have to do something new… come on your show more often!”
The cancellation comes weeks after Stewart made headlines for an exchange with King Charles at an event marking the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust at the Royal Albert Hall. Discussing the King’s recent state visit to the United States, Stewart told him: “May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place.” The King’s reply was largely indistinct, though he was later heard to say “yes exactly,” prompting Stewart to respond: “It went right over his head.” The exchange sparked speculation it may have referred to the King’s well-received speech to Congress, though royal sources stressed that because what the King said could not be clearly heard, he should not be taken as having agreed with the remark.
