Rod Stewart is facing backlash after attending a World Cup match in Boston just hours after abruptly cancelling a California concert for health reasons. For publishers, songwriters, and rights holders, the story is a reminder that artist behavior can quickly shape public perception around live dates, even when the cancellation itself is tied to a medical issue.
Cancelled in California, then headed to Boston
Stewart’s team said on his Instagram Stories 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.” Stewart then issued his own statement less than an hour before the California show was due to begin, saying, “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.”
Over the weekend, Stewart posted a video of himself flying to Boston in a private jet with his sons. In the clip, he said, “Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup,” adding that he had been to seven World Cups. He and his sons ended the video chanting, “No Scotland, no party.”
Fans react to the timing
The video drew criticism from some fans in the comment section, especially because Stewart had cancelled the Chula Vista show less than an hour before he was due onstage. Later that day, he was seen in the stands celebrating Scotland’s victory.
His next scheduled performance is at Colorado’s Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre on Monday, June 15.
A veteran touring act keeps moving
Stewart turned 81 earlier this year and has been touring for more than 60 years, including time with the Faces and the Jeff Beck Group. He has been on his “One Last Time” farewell tour since 2024, including his Glastonbury appearance last summer.
He has more than 20 U.S. dates left this year, and in a recent TalkSport interview he suggested next year’s UK run could be his last. He said, “Then I’m touring the UK next year, doing The O2, and that’ll probably be it, I think.”
What to watch next
The immediate focus is Stewart’s Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre date, followed by the rest of his U.S. schedule and his planned UK run next year.
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