Sir Rod Stewart, 81, required medical assistance during a concert in the US on Friday night after nearly fainting on stage. The veteran singer was seen doubled over and clutching stage props for support at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre.
Oxygen and a chair
Despite his discomfort, Stewart continued singing before backstage assistants led him to the side of the stage, where he took several puffs from an oxygen tank. He returned minutes later and told the crowd he had "nearly f***ing fainted" but insisted "the show must go on." After making jokes, he asked the audience if they minded him performing his next hit sitting on steps, then finished the show in a chair.
Recent cancellations
Stewart has cancelled several gigs recently due to health reasons. He cancelled his May 29 and 30 Encore Shows residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas after doctors ordered vocal rest. He said: "My apologies to my family of fans. I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection." On June 12, he cancelled a show in Chula Vista, California, hours before it was due to start after contracting laryngitis. A statement on his Instagram Story said: "Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California. He travelled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of his doctor, and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection, that has resulted in laryngitis, he is unable to take the stage this evening."
Backlash over World Cup trip
Stewart faced criticism after posting a video of himself flying to Boston with sons Liam, 31, and Alistair, 20, to watch Scotland play Haiti in the World Cup. He said: "Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup. It's been 28 years..." Commenters slammed him for travelling despite his illness. One wrote: "This feels rather disingenuous, especially after your cancellation last night. Too ill to perform but okay to fly across the country for soccer?" Another said: "So you blew off all the people in San Diego that wanted to see you in concert but able to go to the world cup I see!" A third commented: "What’s hard to accept is seeing you apparently celebrating on a plane with friends less than 24 hours after thousands of people were sent home disappointed in San Diego."
