Sir Rod Stewart has admitted that cancelling a concert hours before showtime due to illness and then being spotted at a World Cup match the next day was not a 'good look'. The 81-year-old rocker, currently on his One Last Time Tour, was forced to pull out of a performance in Chula Vista, California, earlier this month after being diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection that led to laryngitis. However, the following day, he was seen in the stands at Boston Stadium watching Scotland secure a victory against Haiti in the 2026 World Cup.
Rod Stewart explains his decision
Appearing on talkSPORT's White and Jordon show, Sir Rod addressed the controversy. Host Jim White asked if he was feeling okay after recently using an oxygen tank on stage in Utah. During that show, Stewart had taken a break backstage and told the crowd he had 'nearly f***ing fainted' but insisted 'the show must go on', finishing the performance sitting in a chair.
Speaking about the cancelled gig and World Cup appearance, Stewart said: '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. 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.'
Fans react to the singer's actions
At the time of the match, Stewart shared a video on Instagram showing him and his sons, model Alastair, 20, and ice hockey player Liam, 31, travelling on a private jet to the game. '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,' he said. 'I've been to seven World Cups. We want to get through to the next round and I'll die a happy man. So go on, Scotland!'
Fans reacted to the post, with one commenting: 'Missed you last night in San Diego, Rod - we hope you are doing better!!' Another responded: 'Seems like he is on the mend.' After cancelling the gig, Stewart had told fans he was 'feeling better, but his voice was not' and posted a photo of himself on the empty stage at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, apologising for the inconvenience and vowing to reschedule.
Stewart's ongoing tour and future plans
The Maggie May singer has previously joked he refuses to retire, saying he still has lots of music to make. His One Last Time concert series has been ongoing since 2024 and includes a Legends slot at Glastonbury Festival. However, he has made comments suggesting he is thinking of hanging up his microphone after one final UK run. This weekend, he will headline Legends Day at Rock in Rio Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal, alongside Cyndi Lauper and Joss Stone.
