Rod Stewart’s last-minute concert cancellation is now a problem of trust, not just timing. For artists, managers, and promoters, this is the kind of optics issue that can quickly turn a health-related miss into a public relations headache.
San Diego show was pulled 45 minutes before showtime
Stewart canceled a Friday night concert in the San Diego area just 45 minutes before showtime, with Live Nation saying he was suffering from a sinus infection. A statement on his social media platforms added that he had traveled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but could not go on after being diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection that caused laryngitis.
Stewart also apologized directly, saying he was disappointed, that his voice was not back, and that he would do his utmost to reschedule.
Boston flight turned a medical excuse into backlash
The next morning, Stewart posted a video on Instagram showing himself with two of his sons inside a private jet, writing that they were off to Boston to see Scotland play Haiti in the FIFA World Cup. In the video, Stewart and his sons sing “No Scotland, no party” to the tune of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.”
That post drew immediate criticism in the comments, with fans saying they were disappointed to see him traveling across the country so soon after the cancellation. Another comment said it was hard to believe he had laryngitis, given how he sounded in the video.
Stewart was later seen drinking at the match
Stewart was later pictured drinking at the match, where Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0. While Stewart is British, his father was Scottish, and the article says that is the reason for his devotion to Scotland’s soccer team.
A representative for Stewart told The San Diego Union-Tribune that he had been given “a few rounds of steroids and treatment” in hopes of performing, but had no voice and had to cancel. The representative said the steroids “kicked in but too late for the show.”
The tour continues in Colorado
Stewart’s “One Last Time” farewell tour is scheduled to continue with a two-night stand at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. The remaining dates are available for tickets.
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