Sir Rod Stewart has left fans both stunned and worried after revealing a sudden health setback that forced him to cancel multiple Las Vegas residency shows — just days after defiantly vowing he would “never retire.” The legendary rocker, who recently turned 80, shared the news directly with fans, sparking an outpouring of both sympathy and concern about his future on stage.
Currently headlining at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for his Encore residency, Stewart first took to Instagram on June 2 to break the disappointing update. “I am sorry to inform you that I’m not feeling well and my show tonight at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is being rescheduled to June 10,” he wrote. “Your tickets will be valid for the new date – Sir Rod.” Fans immediately rallied with well-wishes, flooding his page with comments like, “Please get well soon, Rod, we love you,” and “Your health always comes first.”
However, concern deepened just three days later when Stewart revealed his official diagnosis: the flu. Under strict doctor’s orders, he announced yet another cancellation, this time for his June 5 performance. “I’m awfully sorry to have to cancel my show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace,” he wrote, adding a broken-heart emoji. “My doctor ordered a bit more rest while I recover from flu. Thanks for your love and understanding. Rod 💔.”
While many fans responded with patience and compassion, not all reactions were forgiving. Some longtime followers — frustrated by repeated last-minute cancellations — began calling for the rock icon to consider stepping back. One fan bluntly tweeted, “Think it’s time you retired. Disappointing for fans who travel to see you and then getting told on the day it’s cancelled. Happening too often.” Another added, “Rod, you don’t need the money and you don’t want your star to fade. Maybe it’s time.”
This isn’t the first time Stewart has faced setbacks with his Vegas residency. Last summer, he pulled out of a highly anticipated final night performance, citing lingering effects of Covid. At the time, he admitted, “Most people can work with strep throat but obviously not me. I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve been looking forward to this concert for so long.”
Despite these challenges, Stewart has remained firm in his belief that retirement isn’t an option. Just weeks ago, he tweeted: “I was put on this earth to be a singer and will keep doing so for as long as the good Lord lets me.” His resilience and love for performing have always been part of what makes him one of rock’s most enduring showmen.
Yet, with fans growing increasingly vocal about their concerns, questions are mounting: how much longer can Rod Stewart keep defying both age and illness? For now, the singer is focused on recovery, but his latest health scare has reignited a debate that even he may no longer be able to ignore.
One thing is certain — whether he chooses to fight on or eventually bow out, Rod Stewart’s legacy as a music icon is already cemented. But as his devoted fans continue to remind him, even legends need rest.
