Rod Stewart, aged 81, had to cancel his performance in California at the last minute due to illness. The veteran rocker was set to appear as part of his One Last Time tour but had to call off the show after developing an acute upper respiratory infection leading to laryngitis.

A statement released on Instagram by Rod’s team informed fans about the cancellation, citing the advice of his doctors who deemed him unfit to take the stage despite his efforts to perform. Rod, feeling disappointed, expressed his regret for any inconvenience caused to his fans and assured them that he would make every effort to reschedule the concert.

Sharing a photo from the venue, Rod mentioned that although he was feeling better after treatment, his voice was not in a condition to perform. He emphasized his dedication to his fans and his desire to continue making music, hinting at a potential rescheduling of the missed show.

Having been on his One Last Time tour since 2024, including a performance at the Glastonbury Festival, Rod had previously hinted at retirement but clarified that he still had plans for a final UK tour. In 2024, he announced the end of large-scale world tours but affirmed his passion for music and hinted at a future tour focusing on the Great American Songbook and Swing Fever in smaller, more intimate venues.

Rod Stewart has engaged in friendly banter with Elton John over their retirement plans, with Rod expressing his intention to fade away quietly if he ever decides to retire. In contrast to Elton’s approach, Rod criticized grand retirement announcements and emphasized his preference for a more understated exit from the music scene.