Sir Rod Stewart is facing criticism from disgruntled fans after he was spotted celebrating enthusiastically at a FIFA World Cup match just hours after abruptly canceling a sold-out concert.
The day before he attended the game, Stewart’s team shared an update stating he would not be able to take the stage for health reasons.
The rock legend previously shared that he has “no desire to retire,” but noted that he plans to scale down on “large-scale world tours.”
Just a day before cheering for Scotland at its World Cup game against Haiti on Saturday, June 13, Rod Stewart canceled his California concert.
The “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” singer was scheduled to take the stage on June 12 at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, California. However, hours before the show was set to begin, his team shared a statement on his Instagram Story explaining why they had to pull the plug.
“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,” they explained in the statement, per NME.
The rock star later released a statement of his own, explaining that after receiving treatment, his condition had improved, but his voice had not.
“I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans,” he added.
Stewart Seen Flying To Boston For Scotland Match
The sympathy from his fanbase quickly faded that Saturday morning. Taking to Instagram, the “Maggie May” singer posted a video from inside his private jet alongside his sons, Liam and Alastair.
“Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup,” Stewart said in the video. “It’s been 28 years, so these kids, I’ve told them about it, but they’ve never been. I’ve been to seven World Cups.”
The lively Stewart and his sons joined in chants of “No Scotland, no party,” leaving some fans confused. He also raised eyebrows with the caption, which read, “Me and the boys off to Boston to see our Scotland in the World Cup! No Scotland, no party.”
He was later photographed in the stands at Boston Stadium, throwing his arms in the air and energetically celebrating Scotland’s historic 1-0 group-stage victory over Haiti.
Stewart was also scheduled to perform at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado on Monday, June 15, but canceled that show at the last minute.
Rod Stewart’s World Cup Video Divides His Fans
The sudden shift from an unwell singer to a vibrant Scottish supporter left many fans furious, and they took to social media to criticize him and question whether he had really been too sick to perform.
“Hey Rod, lost a little respect for you canceling your concert the night before, disappointing a stadium full of people,” a disappointed Instagram user wrote. “Hard to believe you really had laryngitis! I used to really like you, but when I say I lost a little respect, I mean a LOT of respect.”
Another user said, “My childhood girlfriends and I flew from Arizona and Houston to see the show at Red Rocks. You should have done this earlier. Screw you.”
Someone else added, “For someone who was sick enough to cancel his show last minute in San Diego yesterday, you sure seem hyped up enough to party with the boys in Boston today.”
However, others defended the singer, saying he had lost his voice, not his ability to travel.
“There’s a difference between watching a game and performing for two hours. Just saying,” one fan wrote.
Stewart’s Rep Says Treatment Came Too Late
A representative for Stewart stood by the reasons given for the show’s cancellation, telling the San Diego Union-Tribune that they had spoken with the singer’s doctor that Friday night and did everything possible to keep the show on schedule, including getting him on steroids.
However, the spokesperson said the situation was ultimately out of their control, leaving them with no choice but to cancel.
They told the news outlet that the rock icon underwent “a few rounds of steroids and treatment in the hopes of being able to perform.”
“He was there [at the venue], but we had to text because he had no voice,” they added. “Evidently, [the steroids] kicked in but too late for the show.”
Rod Stewart Has Discussed Scaling Back His Touring
Stewart remains one of the longest-touring singers in the industry, having been on the road for more than 60 years. He has been on his “One Last Time” farewell tour since 2024 and still has more than a dozen U.S. dates scheduled this year.
In an interview with TalkSport, he shared his hopes of toning things down after headlining a string of performances in the U.K. next year.
“I’ve got 40 odd shows this year, and that’s not really…enough,” he said. “And I’m touring the U.K. next year, doing the O2 [arena] and that’ll probably be it, I think. I’ll have to do something new.”
Asked if he still gets a “massive buzz” from being onstage, Stewart agreed, saying, “There’s nothing like it. There’s no drink, alcohol or drug will give you that buzz… to see all those smiling faces out there and send them all home happy is just God’s gift. It’s wonderful.”
