Rod Stewart canceled a concert in California on Friday night due to a respiratory infection, disappointing fans who had already arrived at the venue. Less than 24 hours later, the 81-year-old musician was seen cheering on Scotland's World Cup team in Boston, sparking backlash from some supporters.
Stewart's team cited an acute upper respiratory infection and laryngitis as the reason for the cancellation, with the singer apologizing to fans on Instagram. He shared a photo of the empty stage in Chula Vista, California, writing that he was 'very disappointed' but unable to perform. The concert was scheduled at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre near San Diego.
On Saturday, Stewart posted a video of himself and his sons boarding a private jet to Boston for Scotland's match against Haiti. The Scots won 1-0, and Stewart was seen celebrating in the stands. Some fans expressed frustration on social media, questioning the timing of his travel so soon after canceling the concert. Others defended Stewart, acknowledging that health issues can be unpredictable.
Stewart later explained his decision to perform at a FireAid benefit concert, calling himself 'a Californian.' The event's producer, Live Nation, confirmed the cancellation was due to a recurrence of a sinus infection. Stewart's team later clarified the diagnosis as an acute upper respiratory infection leading to laryngitis.
The backlash highlights the tension between artists' personal commitments and their professional obligations, particularly when health issues are involved. While some fans sympathized with Stewart's condition, others felt the timing of his World Cup attendance undermined the legitimacy of his cancellation.