Rod Stewart paused his Utah concert after he appeared physically strained onstage and used an oxygen tank during the show.
The 81-year-old singer was performing at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City on Friday, June 19, when video showed him bending over during the set before staff brought out oxygen, according to People.
TMZ, which obtained video from the concert, reported that Stewart was not moving around the stage as much as usual and appeared to be in discomfort during the performance.
Stewart later addressed the crowd, told fans he had nearly fainted and finished the performance seated in a chair. His representatives did not immediately respond to People’s request for comment.
Stewart Told the Crowd He Nearly Fainted
People reported that Stewart took oxygen after nearly fainting during the June 19 show. The footage showed him leaning over before the oxygen tank was brought out.
Afterward, he spoke to the audience and joked about what had happened. He then asked the crowd if they would mind if he sat down for the next song, according to the footage described by TMZ and People.
Stewart continued the performance from a chair rather than leaving the stage. No official medical explanation for the episode has been announced.
The Scare Followed Several Recent Cancellations
The Utah concert came after a difficult stretch on Stewart’s schedule. Earlier in June, his team said a California concert was canceled on doctor’s advice after he was diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection that resulted in laryngitis.
People reported that the California cancellation was announced less than an hour before showtime after Stewart had already traveled to the venue. Stewart later wrote that he was feeling better after treatment but that his voice was not ready, adding that he had done everything he could to make the show happen.
In May, Stewart also canceled two performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Fox News reported that a representative said the shows were canceled following medical advice, while Stewart said he was on vocal rest as he recovered from a sinus infection.
He Has Said He Is Not Retiring From Music
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Stewart’s current One Last Time run has been framed as the end of his large-scale world touring, not the end of his performing career. After announcing the farewell tour in 2024, Stewart clarified that he had “no desire to retire,” according to Fox News. “I love what I do, and I do what I love,” he said in the statement.
People reported that Stewart still has several U.S. shows scheduled through July and August as part of the tour, with the final listed date set for Aug. 15 in St. Louis.