Sir Rod Stewart, 81, has been advised by doctors to cancel his latest string of shows in the USA after being diagnosed with laryngitis.
The Sailing singer took to social media on Friday night, just hours before he was scheduled to perform, to break the news.
In a series of social media updates, Sir Rod’s team issued an official statement, followed by a personal message from him.
“Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California,” the official statement began.
Rod Stewart apologised to fans after cancelling his latest shows
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INSTAGRAM/ROD STEWART
“He travelled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of this doctor, and following a diagnosis of an acute respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis, he is unable to take to the stage this evening.”
Sir Rod then shared a snap of himself looking glum with his arms raised at the venue as the team around him began to disassemble the set.
In his own message to fans, Sir Rod penned: “Well, here I am in beautiful Chula Vista as the stage is being taken down behind me.
“Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not.
Rod Stewart looked exasperated as he shared an update from the venue
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INSTAGRAM/ROD STEWART
“I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans.
“I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t possible.”
However, Sir Rod signed off with a pledge to his fans. “I will do my utmost to reschedule. Rod,” he wrote.
According to the NHS, laryngitis is “when your voice box or vocal cords in the throat become irritated or swollen.”
Rod Stewart’s team confirmed his latest diagnosis
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INSTAGRAM/ROD STEWART
The illness usually resolves within one to two weeks, and those affected are advised to speak as little as possible while consuming plenty of fluids.
The latest cancellation comes just two weeks after Sir Rod was forced to scrap two performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas
That time around, the decision was taken following medical advice related to a sinus infection.
The 81-year-old rock icon had been due to take the stage on May 29 and 30 as part of his Encore residency series.
Rod Stewart has confirmed he will not plan to retire any time soon
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Concertgoers received word of the cancellation with remarkably little notice.
According to reports, one attendee posted on X that they were informed at 5:48pm local time, giving them less than two hours’ warning before the scheduled 7:30pm curtain.
The singer issued a personal apology to his devoted followers at the time. “My apologies to my family of fans,” he said.
“I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection. I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer.”
Rod Stewart has been a performer for six decades
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Health concerns have plagued Sir Rod’s touring schedule in recent months, with these latest two incidents the latest in a long line.
Last June, Sir Rod also pulled out of several performances, citing illness ahead of his headline slot at Glastonbury.
However, despite these setbacks, the Maggie May performer has previously insisted he has no intention of retiring from music entirely.