British singer Rod Stewart cancels tour dates after heart surgery
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Rod Stewart has “successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure”, said a message posted on his Instagram page.
PHOTO: AFP
- Rod Stewart, 81, cancelled US tour dates after a successful coronary stent procedure to treat blocked arteries.
- He will take four weeks to recover fully before returning to performing, following his doctors' advice.
- Stewart has recently faced health issues, including laryngitis and oxygen use on stage, causing several show cancellations.
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LONDON – British rock star Rod Stewart, 81, has cancelled forthcoming US tour dates after having a heart operation, his social media announced.
A message posted late on Aug 11 on his Instagram page said the raspy-voiced performer, known for hits such as Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? (1978), has “successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure”.
This procedure is to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries by inserting a tube that allows blood to flow more freely.
He had been due to play a series of US tour dates in August, including in Las Vegas.
Now, “on the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage”, his management said.
“Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.”
The spiky-haired singer-songwriter, who had a string of megahits in the 1970s and 1980s, has kept up a busy touring schedule despite his age. He wrote on social media in 2024: “I love what I do, and I do what I love. I’m fit, have a full head of hair and can run 100m in 18 seconds.”
Stewart had recently cancelled several US shows over ill health, most recently on Aug 9 in Cincinnati, described at the time as due to “an unforeseen but minor medical procedure”.
In June, he cancelled a concert in California at the last moment after contracting laryngitis, but faced criticism for attending a World Cup match the next day.
Later in June, he was seen receiving oxygen during a show in Utah and told the audience he had nearly fainted. AFP
