Rod Stewart Uses Oxygen Tank During Utah Concert After Health Concerns

Rod Stewart utilized an oxygen tank onstage at a concert in Utah after nearly fainting, following a series of concert cancellations due to health issues.

Rod Stewart, the renowned rock musician, was compelled to use an oxygen tank while performing in West Valley City, Utah, on Friday night. This incident occurred just weeks after he had canceled multiple performances due to health concerns.

The 81-year-old singer was on stage at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre when audience members observed that he was less mobile than usual. Reports indicate that Stewart leaned against instruments, stage barriers, and a pole for support while continuing to sing, as captured in video footage obtained by TMZ.

Eventually, concert attendants provided Stewart with an oxygen tank, which he used to take several deep breaths before addressing his audience. "The show must go on," he communicated to the crowd, adding, "I nearly f—ing fainted there. Would you mind if I sit down for this one?" Following this, he completed the rest of his performance seated in a chair.

The location of West Valley City, approximately 4,300 feet above sea level, may have contributed to Stewart's discomfort during the concert. This event followed a recent cancellation of a concert in San Diego on June 12, which was announced less than an hour before the show was set to begin.

Initially, the reason given for the San Diego cancellation was a sinus infection; however, Stewart later disclosed that he had been diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection that led to laryngitis. His decision to cancel the concert drew criticism after he was spotted at a World Cup match in Boston the very next day, where he was seen cheering for Scotland from the stands alongside his sons, Aidan and Alastair, while enjoying a drink.

In addition to the San Diego concert, Stewart had also canceled two performances in Las Vegas in May, citing the need for vocal rest due to a sinus infection at that time. He expressed his apologies to fans, stating, "My apologies to my family of fans. I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection. I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer."

Despite these recent health challenges, Stewart has indicated that he does not intend to retire from performing. He announced his "One Last Time" farewell tour for 2024, clarifying that he plans to step back from large-scale global tours but will continue to perform live.

Stewart stated on Instagram, "This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire. I love what I do, and I do what I love." He humorously added, "I’m fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100 meters in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79."

The singer has consistently attributed his ability to maintain an active performing schedule to his rigorous fitness regimen. In an interview with AARP last year, he emphasized, "I keep myself very fit. I played soccer all my life — don’t so much anymore, because I had a knee replacement. And I’ve always had a trainer — same guy for 38 years."

Stewart further elaborated on his fitness routine, mentioning the presence of a "massive" gym and an indoor pool at his home, where he engages in underwater training exercises.

Looking ahead, Rod Stewart is set to continue his "One Last Time" tour across the United States throughout July and August, with the final performance currently scheduled for August 15 in St. Louis.