Sir Rod Stewart has cancelled a scheduled concert in California on medical advice, just hours before he was set to perform on stage.
The 81-year-old singer was due to take the stage at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, California, on Friday night (12 June), but was forced to cancel at the last minute after doctors advised against him performing.
“Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California,” a statement posted on his official Instagram account read.
“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 posted a photo of himself on stage at the empty venue, telling fans that although he was “feeling much better,” he was still experiencing issues with his voice.
“Well here I am in beautiful Chula Vista as the stage is being taken down around me,” he wrote.
“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 artist is currently touring the United States as part of his One Last Time tour, which kicked off in 2024 and has been described as a possible farewell to live performances. His next scheduled show is set for June 15 in Colorado.
In May, the ex-Faces frontman was forced to call off two Las Vegas performances on medical advice as he recovered from a sinus infection.
While he continues his series of US tour dates, Stewart has recently been outspoken about his criticism of President Donald Trump.
In earlier comments this year, he criticised President Donald Trump over remarks claiming NATO troops avoided front-line fighting in Afghanistan, calling him a “draft dodger.”
“I was born just after [World War II], and I’d like respect for our armed forces who fought and gave us our freedom, so it hurts me badly, deeply, that I read the draft dodger Trump is criticizing our troops in Afghanistan for not being on the front line,” he said in an Instagram video.
“We lost over 400 of our guys,” he added. “Think of their parents, think about it, when Trump calls them almost like cowards. It’s unbearable.”
