Rod Stewart had been due to perform at Chula Vista, California’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on Friday (12.06.26) but released a statement saying that he couldn’t take to the stage as scheduled because he’s battling laryngitis, a condition where the voice box or vocal cords become irritated or swollen.
Sir Rod Stewart has sparked backlash after he was spotted at a World Cup football match just hours after cancelling a gig at short notice.
The 81-year-old rocker had been due to perform at Chula Vista, California’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on Friday (12.06.26) but released a statement saying that he couldn’t take to the stage as scheduled because he’s battling laryngitis, a condition where the voice box or vocal cords become irritated or swollen.
A statement posted to his Instagram Stories on Friday read: “Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California.
“He travelled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of his doctor, and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection, that has resulted in laryngitis, he is unable to take the stage this evening.”
In another slide, Rod posted a shot of himself on the empty venue’s stage as he apologised to his disappointed fans for the show’s cancellation.
The Maggie May hitmaker penned in a third story: “Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not.
“I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but, unfortunately, it just wasn’t possible.
“I will do my utmost to reschedule. Rod.”
However, Rod then posted a video of himself and sons Liam, 31, and Alistair, 20, flying to Boston in a private jet to watch Scotland take on Haiti in the World Cup.
He said in the video: “Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup.
“It’s been 28 years so these kids, I’ve told them about it, but they’ve never been. I’ve been to seven World Cups.”
But in the comments section people were quick to slam Rod for making the trip despite his illness and subsequent show cancellation.
One wrote: “This feels rather disingenuous, especially after your cancellation last night. Too ill to perform but okay to fly across the country for soccer?”
As another added: “So you blew off all the people in San Diego that wanted to see you in concert but able to go to the world cup I see! I’m a huge fan of yours but I don’t think that’s cool.”
While a third commented: “I understand that shows sometimes have to be canceled, and if there was a legitimate reason, most fans would have accepted it.
“What’s hard to accept is seeing you apparently celebrating on a plane with friends less than 24 hours after thousands of people were sent home disappointed in San Diego.
“Many traveled long distances, paid for hotels, parking, tickets, and took time off work to be there.
“Then to see you flying across the country for a soccer game the very next morning makes the situation feel even more tone deaf.
“The cancellation was frustrating enough, but this comes across as incredibly dismissive of the fans who support your career. A little empathy and awareness would have gone a long way.”
‘Tone deaf’ Rod Stewart flies to World Cup game hours after concert cancellation
