15.06.2026 17:31
81-year-old legendary rocker Rod Stewart canceled his concert in California at the last minute citing health issues, only to fly by private jet hours later to attend a World Cup match. The artist, who claimed he lacked the voice to sing on stage, was seen cheering enthusiastically in the stands, sparking outrage among thousands of fans who had incurred costs for the concert. Accused of insincerity on social media, Stewart now finds himself at the center of criticism.
World-renowned rock musician Rod Stewart, who canceled his concert in California at the last minute citing health issues, flew to a World Cup match in his private jet a few hours later to support Scotland from the stands. The artist's move sparked a huge wave of backlash on social media.
81-year-old Rod Stewart, a legendary figure in rock music with a career spanning over 60 years, became the target of criticism due to the latest development in his tour schedule. The artist, who was scheduled to perform in Chula Vista, California, as part of his farewell tour "One Last Time," made a cancellation announcement just one hour before the concert, disappointing his fans.
"DOCTOR'S ADVICE" WAS CITED
In the initial statement made by the artist's team, it was stated that Stewart could not take the stage due to an acute upper respiratory tract infection and subsequent laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords) on his doctor's advice.
The famous singer, who shortly after posted an apology message on his own social media account, expressed that he felt better after treatment but his voice had not yet recovered enough to sing, and asked for forgiveness from his fans.
TO BOSTON BY PRIVATE JET AFTER THE CANCELLATION
However, a video that surfaced on social media a day after this statement infuriated fans devastated by the cancellation decision. The artist shared a video of himself traveling on a private jet with his sons. Stating that they were going to Boston to watch Scotland's World Cup match, Stewart said in the video:
"It's been 28 years. I've been to the World Cup seven times, but my kids have never been. I'm here for them."
As the match, which resulted in Scotland's victory over Haiti, was played later in the day, the legendary singer was spotted in the stands, and moments of him celebrating his team's goals with great enthusiasm were captured on camera.
SOCIAL MEDIA DIVIDED
Thousands of fans who had bought concert tickets months in advance and incurred travel and accommodation expenses found Stewart's excuse of "hoarseness" to go to the match insincere. On social media, criticisms rose such as, "He doesn't have the breath to sing but cheers at the tournament." Some fans, however, defended Stewart, arguing that the 81-year-old artist's performance on stage for two hours does not require the same physical effort as watching a match from the stands.
ALL EYES ON THE RED ROCKS CONCERT
Stewart, who has been preparing to bid farewell to large-scale world tours since 2024 but emphasized that he does not plan to retire, is now a subject of curiosity regarding his performance following this crisis.
The artist, who is at the center of criticism, is expected to stick to his tour schedule and take the stage today (June 15) at the historic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado. Stewart, who signaled that he will bid farewell to stadium concerts with a tour in the UK next year, is eagerly awaited to see if he can win back the hearts of his fans in Colorado.