Rod Stewart, the legendary British rocker and beloved voice behind hits like “Maggie May” and “Forever Young,” has been forced to cancel or postpone several of his U.S. tour dates scheduled for June due to illness. The 80-year-old singer is battling a case of the flu, according to a personal announcement he shared with fans on Instagram.
The affected concerts, which were set to take place in states including Nevada and California, have left fans disappointed but understanding, as Stewart emphasized that his health needed to take priority. In his statement, he apologized sincerely to ticket holders and promised to reschedule where possible, with some shows now moved to September.
An Illness-Induced Pause
On June 7, Stewart posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing: “I’m so sorry to let you all down, but I’ve been advised by my doctors to rest until I recover from the flu. I was so looking forward to seeing you on tour—thank you for your patience and support.”
The veteran performer, known for his high-energy shows and distinctive raspy voice, had been slated to appear in multiple venues throughout the Southwest this month. While the precise number of postponed performances has not been confirmed by his management, reports indicate that Las Vegas and Los Angeles area shows are among those impacted.
Promoters have assured fans that previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates or refunded upon request. Stewart’s team has not indicated whether additional U.S. performances beyond June could be affected.
Commitment to Fans and a Swift Comeback
Despite the sudden health setback, Stewart’s announcement included a message of hope: he fully expects to be back on stage in time for his much-anticipated set at the Glastonbury Festival on June 29 in the United Kingdom. Glastonbury, one of the world’s most iconic music festivals, will host Stewart as part of its lineup of global headliners—a performance expected to draw massive crowds.
Stewart’s commitment to returning underscores his dedication to fans and passion for performing, even as he enters his ninth decade. Known for his tireless touring schedule and charismatic stage presence, Stewart has continued to defy age expectations in recent years, often performing to sold-out crowds across the globe.
A Storied Career Still Going Strong
With a career spanning over six decades, Rod Stewart remains one of music’s most enduring and celebrated figures. He first rose to prominence in the late 1960s with The Jeff Beck Group and Faces before launching an immensely successful solo career. His ability to blend rock, pop, and soul helped define his sound and legacy.
Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide, earning numerous accolades including two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a knighthood in 2016 for services to music and charity. His ongoing success is a testament to both his talent and his ability to connect with generations of music lovers.
The current tour, which was initially designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his solo breakthrough, had been warmly received. Fans who had anticipated his U.S. shows expressed concern for the singer’s well-being and flooded his social media with get-well wishes.
A Health-Conscious Industry
Stewart’s decision to cancel performances rather than push through illness reflects a growing emphasis on health and self-care in the live entertainment industry. In recent years, more artists have prioritized recovery and well-being over relentless touring schedules—a shift that has largely been supported by audiences who recognize the physical toll of performance.
The COVID-19 pandemic further heightened awareness about the risks of illness on tour, prompting many artists and management teams to err on the side of caution when symptoms arise.
Looking Ahead
While fans may be disappointed by the postponements, Stewart’s announcement makes it clear that he intends to return to the stage as soon as he is able. With Glastonbury looming and additional tour stops expected in Europe and North America later this year, the music legend appears poised for a strong return following a brief pause.