Singer Rod Stewart has undergone a routine coronary stent procedure and will take four weeks off from his tour to recuperate, according to a statement published on his Instagram account. The 81-year-old Scottish rocker had the operation to open blocked heart arteries using a catheter following recent show cancellations.
Medical staff reported that they are pleased with his recovery, and Stewart has already returned to his normal daily activities. On the advice of his doctors, the musician will take four weeks to regain full fitness before returning to the stage, which prevents him from continuing his current tour dates.
Promoters and venues will communicate further details regarding the affected tour dates. In a personal message attached to the announcement, the Maggie May singer expressed his appreciation for his care team and apologized to his audience.
"I'm already feeling better and very much on the mend. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me," Stewart said. "I'm deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon. Rod."
Postponed Cincinnati performance and recent health setbacks
The announcement follows the postponement of Stewart's August 9 performance at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati. Organizers confirmed the concert was pulled due to an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention.
The venue announced that rescheduling is underway, with further details expected on Tuesday, and confirmed that previously purchased tickets will be honored. Representatives for Stewart have not yet responded to requests for additional comment.
The surgery follows multiple health issues earlier this year. In June, Stewart cancelled a performance in California after a respiratory infection developed into laryngitis. A week later, he paused a show in Utah to use an oxygen tank on stage, which may have been caused by the high altitude. He also postponed performances at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, citing vocal rest.
World Cup appearance controversy and farewell tour
Stewart faced online backlash after attending Scotland's World Cup match against Haiti in Boston less than 24 hours after cancelling his California show due to ill health. Pictures showed him cheering on the Tartan Army alongside his sons during their first World Cup match.
Addressing the fan uproar, Stewart acknowledged that attending the game was questionable after losing his voice the night before. Speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT, he said: "No, I got an awful... I really shouldn't have gone to the Haiti game. You know, I had to cancel a show the night before because I just had no voice left."
Stewart added that he went to support his family: "But the truth is, Jim, I wasn't going to let my two sons down. I promised them since they were born that we were going to go to a World Cup. And this is the first one that's come about. And it wasn't a good look, I admit, but I'm going to have to just take the stick. So I did it for the boys."
The singer is currently on the North American leg of his farewell tour, titled One Last Time, which he launched in 2024. Discussing his future schedule, Stewart said: "I've got 40-odd shows this year and that's not really a lot. And I'm touring the UK next year and doing the O2 and that will probably be it, I think."
