Rod Stewart has postponed his Sunday night concert in Cincinnati and cancelled a Tuesday show in Cleveland after doctors ordered the 81-year-old singer to rest for at least 48 hours following what his team described as a minor medical procedure.
The Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati announced the postponement hours before the scheduled performance, citing an unforeseen procedure that required prompt attention. Tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled date, with details expected Tuesday. Less than 24 hours later, Cleveland's Rocket Arena confirmed the cancellation of the August 11 show, stating doctors had advised Stewart to rest. Refunds are available at point of purchase.
Third cancellation in two weeks for Canadian fans
The latest disruptions follow the cancellation of Stewart's August 6 performance at Niagara Falls, Ontario's Fallsview Casino Resort. That show was called off hours before curtain time due to what his team described as a mechanical fault with the aircraft's landing gear. The concert has been rescheduled for March 4, 2027.
Stewart apologized to Niagara Falls ticket holders on Instagram, writing that he was deeply disappointed and promising to make it up to fans at the rescheduled date. The Ontario stop was part of his One Last Time tour, which has now seen multiple interruptions across North America.
Health concerns mount during tour
In June, footage emerged from a Utah concert showing Stewart using an oxygen tank mid-performance at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre near Salt Lake City. The singer told the crowd he had nearly fainted and sat down for the next song. That incident came weeks after Live Nation announced Stewart had postponed two Red Rocks Amphitheatre shows in Colorado and several dates at his Las Vegas Caesars Palace residency due to vocal cord inflammation and strain.
A Live Nation spokesperson said at the time that evaluation revealed significant inflammation of the vocal folds, making it impossible for him to perform safely without risk of long-term damage. Stewart's tour is scheduled to continue with dates at the Iowa State Fair on August 14 and Kansas City on August 15 before returning to Las Vegas for his Encore Shows residency at the Colosseum. A Minnesota State Fair appearance is set for September 1.
Stewart performed in Kelowna, British Columbia earlier this summer as part of the same tour. Global News has reached out to Stewart's representative for further comment on his current condition but has not received a response.
Based on reporting by Global News.