Sir Rod Stewart has hit a pause on his concert schedule in the U.S. due to a bout of the flu. This news comes as he prepares for his much-anticipated performance at Glastonbury later this month. Stewart, now 80, is set to grace the stage on Sunday, June 29, marking his return to the iconic festival after 23 years.
On Instagram, he announced the cancellation of four shows in Las Vegas and Stateline, Nevada, and the rescheduling of two more in California. He expressed his regret to fans, saying, “I’m devastated and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. I’ll be back on stage and will see you soon.” His message ended with a heartfelt note, complete with a broken heart emoji.
Stewart has recently mentioned that he plans to scale back his touring after 2025, favoring smaller venues. However, he is excited about Glastonbury, stating he is "proud, ready, and more than able" to entertain the audience. The festival will also see him reunited on stage with his former Faces bandmate, Ronnie Wood. Stewart hopes to extend his set beyond the allotted hour and 15 minutes because he’s used to playing longer shows.
His last major performance was at the American Music Awards on May 26, where he received a lifetime achievement award, presented by his children. The moment was emotional, reflecting his legacy in the music industry.
Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in history, famous for hits like “Maggie May” and “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Glastonbury is famous for its legendary afternoon slots, previously occupied by icons like Dolly Parton and Shania Twain. Stewart’s return to the festival is notable as he becomes the first artist to headline and also perform in the legends slot.
The anticipation surrounding Stewart’s performance is palpable. Social media buzz shows fans eager to see him back on stage. His upcoming appearance at Glastonbury will be one for the books.
For more insights on Stewart’s career and his contributions to music, you can check out the BBC’s profile on Rod Stewart.