Rod Stewart Slammed for Cancelling Show Amid Health Issues, Then Appearing at World Cup

Rod Stewart is facing backlash from fans after cancelling a show due to health issues and then appearing at a FIFA World Cup match the following day.

The 81-year-old singer was set to perform at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, California on Friday, June 12, however, just 40 minutes before the show started, the show was called-off. While Live Nation said the concert was cancelled because Stewart had a recurrence of a sinus infection, Stewart’s team told the San Diego Union-Tribune that he was suffering from an acute upper respiratory infection that led to laryngitis.

That night, Stewart took to Instagram, sharing a photo of himself on an empty stage in Chula Vista while his crew broke down the set.

“Well, here I am in beautiful Chula Vista as the stage is being taken down around me,” Stewart wrote. “Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not. I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologize to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but unfortunately it just wasn’t possible. I will do my utmost to reschedule.”

Not even a full day later, Stewart shared a video on where he is seen on his private jet with his two sons, captioning the picture: “Me and the boys off to Boston to see our Scotland in the World Cup! No Scotland no party.”

However, Stewart quickly received backlash from fans, calling him “disingenuous” for cancelling a show and then immediately crossing the country to head to the World Cup.

Nonetheless, a representative for Stewart told the San Diego Union-Tribune that they spoke with Stewart’s physician Friday night and stood by the reason given for the show’s cancellation, noting that the singer underwent “a few round of steroids and treatment in the hopes of being able to perform.”

Stewart is currently performing on his “One Last Time” tour. Find his full list of upcoming tour dates below:

Rod Stewart | One Last Time Tour 2026

June 15: Morrison, Colo. @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre ^

June 19: Salt Lake City, Utah @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre ^

July 31: Wantagh, N.Y. @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater ^

Aug. 1: Virginia Beach, Va. @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach ^

Aug. 9: Cincinnati, Ohio @ Riverbend Music Center ^

Aug. 11: Cleveland, Ohio @ Rocket Arena ^

Aug. 15: Kansas City, Mo. @ Morton Amphitheater ^

^with Richard Marx