Sir Rod Stewart, 81, was forced to pause his concert at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City, Utah, on Friday night to use an oxygen tank after nearly fainting onstage. Video footage shared by TMZ showed the singer leaning on a piano and grabbing parts of the set for support during his performance of Young Turks before staff brought out an oxygen tank. He continued singing throughout the song, but after gesturing to the side of the stage, a three-person team administered oxygen, talking him through it and holding him steady as he became unsteady on his feet.
Rod Stewart's health issues lead to concert interruption
After receiving oxygen, Sir Rod told the crowd that he had 'nearly f**king fainted' but that 'the show must go on.' He made a few jokes and then asked if the audience would 'mind' if he performed his next hit while sitting on the steps of the stage. He finished the show sitting in a chair. The Maggie May singer had previously cancelled several concerts in May and earlier in June due to health concerns.
Previous concert cancellations due to illness
Sir Rod cancelled his May 29 and 30 residency gigs at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas at the last minute after doctors ordered vocal rest. In a statement, he said: 'My apologies to my family of fans. I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection. I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer.' On June 12, he cancelled a show in California just hours before it was due to start after contracting laryngitis.
The singer, known for hits such as Hot Legs and It's a Heartache, has faced recent backlash for celebrating at a World Cup match hours after cancelling a gig. Despite the health scare, Stewart remains committed to performing, telling the Utah crowd that he would continue the show.
