Rod Stewart hinted at ending his tours before taking ill and needing heart surgery. Earlier this week, the 81-year-old Maggie May singer was rushed to hospital and forced to cancel the remaining leg of his tour.
A statement on his social media account confirmed he had "successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure" and is now recovering. It read: "Following further medical evaluation, Sir Rod Stewart has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure. Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities. On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage."
Tour Dates Cancelled
"Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates. Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues."
Rod added his own statement, saying: "I'm already feeling better and very much on the mend. I want to thank doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me."
Recent Health Issues
"I'm deeply disappointed to miss those shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon - Rod."
Health problems previously forced Rod to cancel a string of shows in May and June after he developed an acute upper respiratory infection. At the time, the singer offered his "sincere apologies" to fans, insisting he had done everything possible to ensure the concert would go ahead before doctors stepped in.
Retirement Hints
Back in May, Rod hinted at retiring as he said: "I've got 40 odd shows this year," alluding to his continuing North American One Last Time tour before adding: "I'm touring the UK next year, doing The O2."
"That'll probably be it, I think," he then concluded, joking he'd "have to do something new" with his time after he finishes touring the world. In November 2024, Rod said his One Last Time tour would be "the end of large-scale world tours for me."
But since making this announcement, the rock star has shown no signs of winding down, as he has continued to extend the tour from 2025 into 2026.
