Legendary British rocker Rod Stewart, 80, has canceled and postponed several of his highly anticipated U.S. concerts scheduled for June 2025, citing illness as the reason. The development has sparked widespread concern among fans and within the music industry, particularly given Stewart’s prominent appearance scheduled later this month at the Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom.
Sudden Schedule Shake-Up
The cancellations include multiple stops in Nevada and California, regions where Stewart’s fan base has historically been both passionate and loyal. According to Stewart’s team, several of the affected performances have been tentatively rescheduled for September, with ticket holders given the option to retain their passes or seek refunds.
Stewart expressed his deep regret over the changes in a public statement, apologizing for any inconvenience and emphasizing that the decision was made with his health and the fans’ experience in mind. He also reiterated his dedication to returning to the stage as soon as he is medically cleared to do so.
Upcoming Glastonbury Performance in Question
One of the major concerns following the cancellations is whether Stewart will be well enough to take the stage at the Glastonbury Festival on June 29. The performance is part of the festival’s prestigious Legends slot—a tradition that has featured iconic artists like Diana Ross, Paul McCartney, and Dolly Parton in previous years.
The Glastonbury appearance had been heavily promoted and was considered a major milestone in Stewart’s ongoing career. His absence would mark a significant loss for the festival’s lineup, though organizers have not yet indicated any changes to the scheduled roster.
A Lifetime of Hits and Tours
Rod Stewart, a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is no stranger to the physical demands of touring. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has performed thousands of concerts globally, sold over 250 million records, and built a legacy as one of the most enduring figures in music history.
Despite his age, Stewart had maintained an active performance calendar in recent years, opting to focus more on short-term residencies and specific high-profile events rather than extended world tours. This strategic shift allowed him to balance professional commitments with health considerations.
Health Worries and Fan Reactions
While no specific details beyond “illness” have been released, insiders close to the Stewart camp have indicated that the 80-year-old singer is dealing with complications from a severe flu virus, prompting doctors to advise rest and limited travel. Although the illness is not believed to be life-threatening, its timing has disrupted an otherwise tightly organized tour schedule.
Fans have responded with a mix of disappointment and concern. Social media has seen a wave of well-wishing posts, many from long-time followers who recall previous instances where Stewart battled through injuries and ailments to perform. “Rod is a fighter. We just want him to get better,” wrote one fan on a dedicated fan club forum.
No Plans for Retirement
Stewart has consistently rejected the notion of full retirement, even as he’s scaled back on long-haul global tours. In interviews earlier this year, he shared that music remains a vital part of his identity and that as long as his voice and health permit, he intends to keep performing.
“I may not be running across arenas anymore, but I’ll never stop singing. That’s who I am,” Stewart said in a televised interview this spring.
His commitment to performing—even in the face of health setbacks—has endeared him further to fans who have followed his journey since the early days with Faces and throughout his chart-topping solo career.
Looking Ahead
As of now, all eyes are on the end of June. If Stewart is able to recover in time for Glastonbury, it would mark a triumphant return to the stage and potentially set the tone for the rescheduled fall performances.
In the meantime, his team is closely monitoring his condition, and updates are expected as the festival date draws nearer. Given Stewart’s storied resilience and the care with which he approaches his craft, optimism remains high that the beloved crooner will soon be back under the spotlight where he belongs.