Rod Stewart cancels upcoming tour dates after heart procedure

08:44

By: Sahili Aya

Rod Stewart cancels upcoming tour dates after heart procedure

Rod Stewart is taking a temporary break from the stage after undergoing a medical procedure involving the placement of a coronary stent, forcing the British singer to cancel a series of upcoming concerts.

The 81-year-old performer said he was recovering well but would need approximately four weeks away from live performances.

The announcement comes as Stewart continues his long-running One Last Tour, which began in 2024 and includes a series of performances in Las Vegas.

Four-week break from live performances

Stewart was recently forced to cancel a concert at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati at short notice, initially describing the reason as a "minor medical procedure."

He has now confirmed that the procedure involved the insertion of a coronary stent and that his recovery will require more time than initially expected.

The singer said he was feeling better and recovering, while apologising to fans affected by the cancellations.

His decision to step away from the stage for several weeks is intended to give him time to recover before returning to a demanding concert schedule.

A career still driven by live performance

Despite being in his eighties, Stewart has continued to maintain an exceptionally active performance schedule.

The London-born singer launched One Last Tour in 2024, combining international dates with a Las Vegas residency. He has repeatedly rejected the idea of completely retiring from music, continuing to perform decades after establishing himself as one of rock and pop's most recognisable voices.

His career has included numerous international hits and major appearances, including a performance at Glastonbury.

Health forces another pause

The latest cancellations demonstrate the physical demands of maintaining a touring career at an advanced age.

While Stewart has described the intervention as routine and says his recovery is progressing, the four-week pause represents a significant interruption to his current schedule.

For fans, the immediate priority will be his recovery and a safe return to the stage rather than the pace of his touring calendar.

Stewart's message remains reassuring, but his temporary withdrawal underlines the need to balance an enduring passion for performing with the realities of an extensive concert schedule.