He paused a gig earlier this summer to use an oxygen tank after nearly fainting on stage, and cancelled another performance because of health reasons.
The 81-year-old artist had been scheduled to perform at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, last night (Sunday August 9) as part of his current ‘One Last Time’ North American tour.
In a statement shared with Rolling Stone on Tuesday, Aug. 11, a representative for the artist said that the singer is doing well and has returned to his 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,” said the rep. “Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.”
In his own message on Tuesday, Stewart assured fans that he was “already feeling better and very much on the mend.” While he was “deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down,” Stewart ended on a positive note: “I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.”
However, just hours before doors were set to open, organisers shared a statement confirming that the concert would no longer be going ahead as planned.
“Due to an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention, Rod Stewart’s performance tonight in Cincinnati has been postponed,” it read. “Rescheduling is currently underway, with additional information to follow on Tuesday.”
The message went on to add that “all previously purchased tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled date”. Full details have not yet been shared, at the time of writing.
“Rod is expected to make a quick recovery and looks forward to returning to Cincinnati,” the post concluded.
He is currently scheduled to make a stop in Cleveland, Ohio, tomorrow (Tuesday August 11) ahead of further US dates this month and into September. These include his residency at Las Vegas’ The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Earlier this summer, Stewart was forced to pause a gig in Utah to use an oxygen tank after nearly fainting on stage. “Would you mind if I sat down for this one?” he playfully asked the crowd.
This followed him facing backlash when he was spotted cheering for Scotland at a World Cup game, just hours after cancelling a concert in California due to health reasons.
Stewart’s team had shared a statement detailing that “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 the stage this evening”.
In his own message, the veteran singer told fans: “Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not. I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans.”
