Rod Stewart cancels remainder of US tour after undergoing heart surgery

Rod Stewart has canceled the remaining dates of his 2026 US tour following heart surgery, according to a statement posted on his Instagram account. The 81-year-old rock icon underwent a coronary stent procedure and will take four weeks off to recover. This decision effectively ends the tour, which was set to run through September, with additional dates planned for September 2027 in Colorado. Stewart shared a message on Instagram expressing his gratitude to medical staff and acknowledging his disappointment over missing the shows. “I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” he wrote. “I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.” He also apologized to fans for the inconvenience and expressed hope of returning to the stage soon. The tour originally included performances across Ohio, Illinois, and Mexico, with a six-night residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. His representatives confirmed that Stewart is recovering well and has resumed his regular activities. They stated that he would need time to fully recover before resuming live performances. The statement noted that affected shows will be handled by the respective promoters and venues. The cancellations come after several previous disruptions to Stewart's schedule. In May, he canceled shows in Nevada due to a sinus infection, during which he informed fans he was on vocal rest. Less than a month later, he postponed a San Diego concert after being diagnosed with a respiratory infection leading to laryngitis. These health issues have impacted multiple tour dates throughout the year. In addition to the recent cardiac procedure, Stewart recently celebrated the arrival of his sixth grandchild. His daughter Ruby gave birth to a son named Levi, marking another milestone in the musician’s life. Despite these personal developments, his professional commitments were significantly affected by ongoing health challenges. Cleveland’s Rocket Arena confirmed the latest cancellation via social media, stating that doctors advised Rod Stewart to rest for at least 48 hours. As a result, the Aug. 11 performance at the venue was scrapped. The arena expressed appreciation for Stewart’s understanding and reiterated his anticipation of returning to the stage. Similar decisions were made for other shows in Cincinnati and Cleveland earlier in the year, reflecting a pattern of medical-related postponements. This series of cancellations highlights the physical demands placed on aging performers and the necessity of prioritizing health over touring obligations. While Stewart has maintained a positive outlook, the impact on his fan base has been considerable. Fans attending the affected shows faced last-minute changes, and some may now seek alternative opportunities to see him perform. The tour’s future remains uncertain, though the artist has indicated plans to resume live appearances once fully recovered. Further details about rescheduling or new tour dates have yet to be announced. For now, the focus remains on Stewart’s recovery and the ongoing communication between his team and the venues involved. The situation underscores the unpredictable nature of long-term tours, particularly for artists in their late years.