Rod Stewart uses oxygen on stage in Utah after nearly fainting, finishes show seated
The 81-year-old rock singer paused his Friday concert at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, leaned on equipment, and was given an oxygen tank before telling the crowd he had nearly fainted.
Onstage incident in Utah
Rod Stewart alarmed fans during his June 19 performance in West Valley City, Utah, when he appeared visibly unwell and struggled to move across the stage. Video footage shows the singer doubling over, leaning against a piano and drum screen, and eventually signalling for assistance. Crew members brought an oxygen canister to the stage edge, and Stewart inhaled deeply before turning back to the audience.
The show must go on. I nearly f*cking fainted there. Would you mind if I sit down for this one?
The concert continued with Stewart seated on a chair or on the steps near the drum riser. West Valley City sits at roughly 1,400 metres (4,300 feet) above sea level, and several reports noted that altitude may have contributed to his breathing difficulties. No official cause for the episode has been confirmed.
A string of health setbacks
The Utah scare is the latest in a series of cancellations and postponements. On June 4, Stewart scrapped two Las Vegas residency shows on his doctor’s advice. A week later, on June 12, he cancelled a San Diego date less than an hour before showtime. A venue statement cited an acute upper respiratory infection and laryngitis. Stewart later posted a photo from the empty venue, writing that his voice was still not right.
Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not.
Days later, his June 15 and 16 concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado were pushed to September 2027. The pattern of health-related disruptions has raised questions about the toll of touring at his age.
- Cancels two Las Vegas residency shows on doctor’s advice.
- Tells Hollywood Bowl crowd it is his last performance at the venue.
- Cancels San Diego concert due to acute upper respiratory infection and laryngitis.
- Attends Scotland World Cup match in Boston, sparking fan criticism.
- Postpones Red Rocks Amphitheatre shows to September 2027.
- Nearly faints on stage in Utah, uses oxygen tank, finishes show seated.
Fan backlash over World Cup appearance
Stewart drew sharp criticism after the San Diego cancellation when he was spotted the following day at a Scotland World Cup match in Boston. He posted an Instagram video of himself and his two sons on a private jet heading to the game, and he was reportedly seen drinking alcohol in the stands. Fans called the contrast between the last-minute cancellation and the public outing disrespectful.
The farewell tour and what comes next
The current North American leg is part of Stewart’s One Last Time tour, which he has repeatedly hinted will be his final large-scale outing. At the Hollywood Bowl on June 10, he told the crowd it was his last performance there. In a recent UK radio interview, he said that after remaining 2026 dates and a planned UK run in 2027, he may step away from major touring.
I’ve got 40-odd shows this year and that’s not really a lot. And I’m touring the UK next year and doing the O2 and that will probably be it, I think.
The tour is scheduled to conclude in St. Louis on August 15, followed by a handful of Las Vegas residency dates. No statement has been issued on whether the Utah incident will affect upcoming shows.
