Rod Stewart has pulled out of an upcoming gig hours before he was due on stage after being struck down by illness. The 81-year-old rocker was scheduled to perform in California as part of his One Last Time tour, but after traveling to the venue, he was forced to cancel the entire show.
Health Diagnosis Forces Cancellation
A statement from his team broke the news to fans on Instagram: "Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California. He traveled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of his doctors and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis, he is unable to take to the stage this evening."
Rod's Personal Message
Rod later shared a photo of himself looking glum on stage as he revealed how close he had come to making the performance. He said: "Well here I am in beautiful Chula Vista as the stage is being taken down around me. Following treatment, I'm feeling much better, but my voice is not. I'm very disappointed and sincerely apologize 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." He signed off with his name.
Retirement Hints
This cancellation comes after Rod hinted he is finally ready to retire from touring. His One Last Time concert series has been ongoing since 2024 and included the Legends spot at Glastonbury Festival, but he has made comments suggesting he is thinking of hanging up his microphone — but only after one last UK run.
In 2024, Rod said he is now finished doing "large-scale world tours." He wrote on Instagram: "This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire. I love what I do, and I do what I love. I'm fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100 meters in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79. I'd like to move onto a Great American Songbook, Swing Fever tour the year after next – smaller venues and more intimacy. But then again, I may not..."
Friendly Rivalry with Elton John
Rod has previously exchanged digs with his long-term frenemy Elton John over teasing their retirement plans to fans. In 2018, Rod slammed Elton's sprawling tour, calling it "dishonest" and saying it "stinks of selling tickets." Rod famously stated that if he ever retires, he won't make a big announcement and will just fade away.
