Sir Rod Stewart has admitted it was not a 'good look' to cancel a concert before turning up at the World Cup, as he opened up about his recent health struggles. The legendary rocker, 81, who is currently embarking on his One Last Time Tour, was due to take the stage in California earlier this month; however, he pulled out just hours beforehand. At the time, a statement confirmed that Sir Rod had travelled to the venue in Chula Vista and, despite his best efforts, medical staff advised him not to perform and told him he needed rest. Doctors had diagnosed Sir Rod with an acute upper respiratory infection, which subsequently developed into laryngitis, leaving him unable to sing. Yet the very next day, he was spotted in the stands at Boston Stadium watching Scotland claim victory against Haiti in the World Cup 2026.
Oxygen Tank Incident in Utah
During an appearance on talkSPORT's White and Jordon, Sir Rod addressed the episode candidly. Host Jim enquired whether Sir Rod was feeling well, following footage of him using an oxygen tank backstage in Utah last week. The rock icon took a brief break offstage and, upon his return, told the crowd he had 'nearly f***ing fainted' but vowed, 'the show must go on'. After raising a few laughs, he asked the audience whether they would mind if he performed his next hit sitting on steps on the stage, before completing the show from a chair, reports the Mirror.
Choosing Family Over Image
Sir Rod addressed the incident during his recent interview: 'No, I got an awful... I really shouldn't have gone to the Haiti game. You know, I had to cancel a show the night before because I just had no voice left. But the truth is, Jim, I wasn't going to let my two sons down.' Elaborating on his decision, he went on: 'I promised them since they were born that we were going to go to a World Cup. And this is the first one that's come about. And it wasn't a good look, I admit, but I'm going to have to just take the stick. So I did it for the boys.'
Private Jet to the Match
When he attended the fixture, Sir Rod posted a video on Instagram showing that he and his sons, model Alastair, 20, and ice hockey player Liam, 31, had flown to the game on a private jet. 'Here we are off to see Scotland in the World Cup. It's been 28 years. And these kids, I've told them about it but they've never been,' said Sir Rod. 'I've been to seven World Cups,' the singer added. 'We want to get through to the next round and I'll die a happy man. So go on, Scotland!' he roared as his sons echoed his rallying cry. The trio then launched into a chant of: 'No Scotland, no party!'
Fan Reactions and Apology
Following the Instagram post, one fan commented: 'Missed you last night in San Diego, Rod - we hope you are doing better!' 'Seems like he is on the mend,' another replied with a wink emoji. Having pulled his gig due to laryngitis, Rod had informed fans he was 'feeling better, but his voice was not.' In his own statement he shared: '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.' This was accompanied by a photograph of him standing on stage at the deserted North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre.
