Watch: Rod Stewart Halts Utah Concert to Use Oxygen Tank Onstage Amid Health Struggles
Rod Stewart needs to focus on the rhythm of his heart.
The 81-year-old announced he’s canceled his remaining tour dates in order to recover from a successful coronary stent procedure, which sees a mesh tube inserted into a clogged heart artery to help clear the path.
“Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities,” a statement shared to Stewart’s social media read on Aug. 12. “On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage.”
As the update noted, “Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.”
Stewart’s team promised that information related to any affected performances would come directly from the venues.
In addition to the official statement, the “Maggie May” singer also took a moment to reassure fans personally.
“I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” he wrote. “I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.”
And though he’s feeling better, he regrets the time he must stay away from the stage.
“I’m deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down,” he added, “but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.”
Rod Stewart/Instagram
The statements were accompanied by a photo of the octogenarian, with his signature spiky blonde hair, leaning against a grand piano in an all-white ensemble.
As for his fans, they were quick to express their well wishes.
“You didn’t let people down! You’ve been performing for us for 50+ years. We are grateful for your talent and that your health is on the mend. Love you Rod,” one user wrote, while another added, “We know your health is more important—and we want you to be Forever Young!”
This isn’t the first time this year that Stewart’s health has gotten in the way of performing.
Back in June, the “Forever Young” artist revealed to the crowd at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas the reason he’d had to cancel two shows during his residency.
John Medina/Getty Images
“Before we go any further, last week I passed on two shows and I’ll tell you why,” he said to the audience at his June 2 concert in a video shared by @jasc24. “I had this awful f–king sinus infection. I should’ve gone to the hospital but I didn’t.”
Trying to power through ultimately led to an infection in his ears and eardrums, too.
“I couldn’t hear a thing,” he admitted. “When you’ve got your ears blocked up, it ruins your equilibrium.”
A few weeks later, the singer struggled to remain upright during his June 19 performance in Utah, ultimately pausing his performance of “Young Turks” to use an oxygen tank that was waiting at the side of the stage.
“I nearly f–king fainted up there, I’ll tell you, trying to do a little jimmy, a step and a dance,” he told the crowd, per video shared by TMZ at the time. Nevertheless, “The show must go on.”
For more stars who have been publicly candid about their health challenges, read on.
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