Rod Stewart Scraps His California Show Citing Laryngitis, Then Surfaces Hours Later at the World Cup
Eleventh-hour cancellation.
Rod Stewart has sparked a wave of backlash after canceling a California concert due to laryngitis, only to surface hours later at a match in Boston. According to Fox News, the 81-year-old singer called off his show at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista just 40 minutes before it was set to begin, citing an acute upper respiratory infection that left him unable to perform.
But fans were quick to notice something didn’t add up when Stewart posted a video of himself boarding a private jet with his sons, Liam and Alistair, en route to watch Scotland play Haiti in the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The cancellation announcement came as a shock to concertgoers, many of whom had already arrived at the venue. Stewart’s team released a statement explaining that doctors had advised him against performing after diagnosing him with laryngitis.
He later shared a photo of himself on the empty stage, writing, “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. 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.”
The message did little to ease people’s frustration
Fans had spent money on tickets, travel, and accommodations, only to be turned away at the last minute. It didn’t help that less than 24 hours later, Stewart was spotted in the stands at Boston Stadium, cheering on Scotland with his sons.
He even posted a video from the private jet, grinning as he told his followers, “Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup. 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 clip ended with the trio chanting, “No Scotland, no party”.
Reactions on Instagram were swift and harsh. According to PEOPLE, one user wrote, “This feels rather disingenuous, especially after your cancellation last night. Too ill to perform but okay to fly across the country for soccer?”
Another fan added, “So you blew off all the people in San Diego that wanted to see you in concert but able to go to the World Cup I see! I’m a huge fan of yours but I don’t think that’s cool.” The criticism centered on the apparent contradiction – if Stewart was too sick to sing, how was he well enough to travel and attend a high-energy sporting event?
Some pointed out the logistical nightmare the cancellation created
“Many traveled long distances, paid for hotels, parking, tickets, and took time off work to be there,” one commenter noted. “Then to see you flying across the country for a soccer game the very next morning makes the situation feel even more tone-deaf. The cancellation was frustrating enough, but this comes across as incredibly dismissive of the fans who support your career.”
The sentiment was echoed by others who felt Stewart’s actions showed a lack of empathy for those who had made significant efforts to attend his show. Not everyone was critical, though. A few fans rushed to Stewart’s defense, arguing that laryngitis doesn’t necessarily prevent someone from traveling or enjoying time with family.
“Get a grip, people,” one supporter wrote. “I know it’s disappointing and frustrating when someone cancels a show, but that doesn’t mean their life, especially with their family, also stops. You can clearly hear in this video he is unwell by his voice, and people have said he was unwell in previous concerts. I am a lifelong fan of Rod’s, and I wouldn’t want him performing if it could possibly mean irreparable damage to his voice.” Another said, “There’s a difference between watching a game and performing for two hours. Just saying.”
This isn’t the first time Stewart has had to cancel shows due to health issues
Earlier this month, he rescheduled several residency performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas after his doctor ordered more rest following a bout with the flu. Less than a week later, he postponed two shows and canceled four others on his One Last Time Tour, writing on Instagram, “So sorry, my friends. I’m devastated and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans. I’ll be back on stage, and we’ll see you soon.”
Stewart’s next scheduled performance is at Colorado’s Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre on Monday, June 15. Given his recent health struggles, fans will likely be watching closely to see if the show goes on as planned. If it doesn’t, the backlash could be even fiercer this time around. For now, the singer seems unfazed by the criticism, at least publicly. His focus appears to be on Scotland’s World Cup run, a passion he’s clearly eager to share with his sons.
(Featured image: Raph_PH, CC)
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