Rod Stewart issues health update after cancelled concerts on his Australian tour

21 March 2023, 12:26

Sir Rod Stewart cancelled a recent concert on his Australian tour.
Sir Rod Stewart cancelled a recent concert on his Australian tour. Picture: Getty/Instagram

By Thomas Curtis-Horsfall

At the age of 78, Rod Stewart is still as spritely as ever.

This is why fans were both surprised and shocked when Sir Rod Stewart cancelled one of his recent shows due to illness.

Currently performing in Australia on his A Day On The Green tour, Rod selected Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens to support him to play dates including Sydney, Bowral, Geelong, Adelaide, Perth, and Mount Cotton.

Only hours before he was due to perform in Geelong however, Rod pulled the plug on the concert much to the dismay of his adoring fans Down Under.

He revealed he had no choice as he was suffering from a viral infection which affected his throat, and was left unable to sing.

Even though he was suffering from illness, his fans were still fuming about the manner in which his gigs were cancelled, only finding out through social media rather than being notified by the official ticket provider.

The rest of the tour was thrown into disarray, but Rod has now come out with an update on his health and the remainder of his tour.

Sir Rod seemed in good spirits after his recent bout of illness.
Sir Rod seemed in good spirits after his recent bout of illness. Picture: Instagram/Rod Stewart

Rod was back to his typical upbeat self in a recent video he posted on his Instagram account, wearing a tracksuit emblazoned with the logo of his beloved football team Celtic.

Any concerns his fans had about whether or not the remaining dates of his tour were put to bed, as Rod confirmed they'd all go ahead as planned after overcoming his illness.

Talking directly to his 1.2 million followers, Rod said: "My dear friends in Adelaide, just to guarantee the show will be going ahead."

"I had a slight setback here in Melbourne, I had strep throat, but I'm fine now. I'll be there and I'm looking forward to it."

Rod's confirmation comes after a spokesperson for the music legend insisted that his performance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena is 'definitely still on'.

He'll be taking to the stage once again in roaring form to sing a career-spanning set across the course of two hours in front of 11,000 fans in Adelaide, ahead of his concerts in Sydney and Hunter Valley.

Rod has been on great form during his recent Australian tour. (Photo by Sam Tabone/WireImage)
Rod has been on great form during his recent Australian tour. (Photo by Sam Tabone/WireImage). Picture: Getty

Hopefully, his Aussie fans won't be too downbeat, especially after the last-minute nature of his cancellation in Geelong.

At the time he wrote: "Late this morning I was advised that I have a viral infection and my throat is too irritated to sing. I'm only human and sometimes get sick just like you do."

He continued: 'My greatest joy is performing for you, so I'm doing everything I can to get on the mend and back on stage!"

Rod's team also added in a statement: "Live Nation and Roundhouse Entertainment regret to announce that tonight's performance by Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens at Mt. Duneed Estate, Geelong will not go ahead due to illness."

"We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience for ticket holders. A further announcement regarding the concert arrangements will be made early next week."