Sir Rod Stewart has left fans worried after being forced to cancel a highly anticipated performance just hours before he was due to take the stage in California — despite travelling to the venue and attempting to push through illness.
The 81-year-old music icon was scheduled to perform in Chula Vista as part of his One Last Time tour, but organisers confirmed the heartbreaking last-minute decision after doctors advised him not to go ahead.
In an official statement shared on Instagram, his team revealed Rod had been struck down by an acute upper respiratory infection, which developed into laryngitis — leaving him unable to sing.
“Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California,” the statement read.
“He travelled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of his doctors… he is unable to take to the stage this evening.”
Despite the disappointment, Rod himself later broke his silence, sharing a photo from the emptying stage and opening up about how close he came to performing.
“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.”
The legendary performer, known for decades of chart-topping hits and electrifying live shows, apologised directly to fans and promised he is doing everything possible to reschedule the cancelled date.
“I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans,” he added.
“I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but unfortunately it just wasn’t possible.”
The sudden cancellation comes as Rod continues his busy touring schedule across North America, with his next performance currently planned for June 15 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado.
Fans flooded social media with messages of support, wishing the rock legend a speedy recovery and praising him for still attempting to perform despite illness.
Rod, who has previously spoken about protecting his voice more carefully in recent years, has remained determined to keep performing — insisting only recently that he still feels full of energy and plans to tour for years to come.
For now, though, the focus is on recovery, as one of music’s most enduring voices is forced into an unexpected pause — leaving fans hoping this is only a short break in an otherwise unstoppable tour.
