Rod Stewart cancels remaining tour dates after coronary stent procedure at 81

Heart procedure and recovery

Sir Rod Stewart, 81, has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure, according to a statement posted on his Instagram page late Tuesday, August 11. The procedure involves inserting a small wire tube into narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to restore blood flow to the heart. His publicist said doctors are pleased with his recovery and that Stewart has returned to his normal daily activities. On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage.

Tour cancellations

The four-week recovery period effectively ends the remaining dates of Stewart's "One Last Time" farewell tour and his "The Encore Shows" residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He had been scheduled to perform 11 concerts in the US in the coming weeks, including a six-night Las Vegas residency beginning August 18 and running through the end of the month. The North American leg was due to stretch through September 3, with dates in Ohio, Illinois and Minnesota. Three dates in Mexico were also scheduled for September, for which tickets were still on sale as of the announcement. Two further dates in Colorado are scheduled for September 2027. Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues.

Recent health setbacks

The coronary stent follows months of health issues that forced multiple cancellations. Stewart has been dealing with a series of medical problems since May, including a near-fainting episode on stage.

Stewart postponed his Sunday concert at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, described at the time as due to "an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention." He then cancelled his Tuesday night performance at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, where doctors advised him to rest for at least 48 hours. Earlier in the year, he cancelled two Las Vegas performances in May due to a sinus infection and vocal rest, and a San Diego show in June after being diagnosed with a respiratory infection that resulted in laryngitis. He faced criticism for attending a World Cup match the day after the San Diego cancellation. On June 19, during a concert in West Valley City, Utah, Stewart nearly fainted and had to use an oxygen tank brought on stage by crew members before continuing the performance.

Stewart's response

Stewart addressed fans directly in the Instagram statement.

I'm already feeling better and very much on the mend. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me. I'm deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.

The Grammy Award-winning singer, known for hits like "Maggie May" and "Tonight's the Night," has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. He has been touring with American singer Richard Marx on the "One Last Time" tour since 2024. Despite his age, Stewart wrote in 2025 that he was fit, had a full head of hair, and could run 100 metres in 18 seconds. He performed at Rock in Rio Lisboa in Portugal on June 27, 2026. Earlier in August, he welcomed his sixth grandchild after his daughter Ruby gave birth to a son. Stewart has also previously had thyroid cancer, according to one report.