Sir Rod Stewart has found himself at the centre of a fan debate after attending a World Cup match just hours after cancelling a scheduled concert due to health concerns.
The 81-year-old music legend was spotted enthusiastically cheering on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup in Boston on Saturday, only a day after pulling out of a performance in Chula Vista, California, following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection and laryngitis.
The “Maggie May” singer documented his journey to the match on Instagram, sharing a video from a private jet alongside his sons Liam, 31, and Alastair, 20.
“Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup,” Rod told followers in the clip. “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.” The family ended the video chanting: “No Scotland, no party.”
While many fans enjoyed seeing the singer’s excitement, others questioned how he was well enough to travel across the country after cancelling his concert less than an hour before he was due to take the stage.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesOne follower wrote: “This feels rather disingenuous, especially after your cancellation last night.” Another commented: “Too ill to perform but okay to fly across the country for soccer?”
A third 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’m a huge fan of yours but I don’t think that’s cool.”
© PA Images via Getty ImagesLater that day, Rod appeared in high spirits as he watched Scotland defeat Haiti, throwing his arms into the air while celebrating from the stands.
Health concerns continue
The appearance came after Rod’s team announced on Friday that he had been forced to cancel his California performance following medical advice.
A statement shared to his Instagram Stories explained: “On the advice of his doctors and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis, he is unable to take the stage this evening.”
© WireImageThe singer later addressed fans personally, revealing that while treatment had improved his overall condition, his voice had not recovered sufficiently for him to perform.
“Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not,” Rod wrote. “I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight.”
A difficult few weeks
The cancellation is the latest setback in what has been a challenging period for the star. Earlier this month, Rod announced that several performances from his Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace would be rescheduled after doctors advised him to rest while recovering from flu.
Just days later, he cancelled four shows and postponed two additional dates on his One Last Time Tour. “So sorry, my friends. I’m devastated and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans,” he wrote at the time. “I’ll be back on stage and we’ll see you soon.”
© Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via GFamily first
Rod has long been one of Scotland’s most passionate celebrity supporters, regularly travelling around the world to cheer on the national team.
His latest trip was particularly meaningful, as it marked the first World Cup experience for sons Liam and Alastair, whom he has frequently spoken about introducing to his love of football.
Despite the criticism, the singer appeared delighted to share the special moment with his family as Scotland secured a memorable victory.
Rod’s next scheduled performance remains set for June 15 at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where fans will be hoping the rock legend’s voice has made a full recovery.
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