Full Breakdown
Rod Stewart’s Utah Oxygen Interruption Highlights Ongoing Health Concerns on “One Last Time” Tour
6/22/2026, 8:16:51 AM
Utah Oxygen Interruption Halts Rod Stewart Show
On June 19, 2026, the 81-year-old singer paused his set at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City after appearing unsteady. Crew members delivered an oxygen tank; Stewart inhaled, addressed the crowd, and finished the concert seated.
Recent Health Issues Prompt Tour Changes
In the weeks before the Utah stop, Stewart cancelled a June 12 concert in San Diego and postponed two Las Vegas dates, citing an acute upper respiratory infection that caused laryngitis and a recent flu bout. Earlier cancellations referenced a sinus infection.
Audience Video Shows On-Stage Oxygen Use
Video captured Stewart doubling over during “Young Turks,” leaning on a piano and drum screen before staff wheeled an oxygen canister onto the stage. The crowd applauded his brief pause, and he later joked, “Would you mind if I sit down for this one?” before resuming from a chair.
Official Statements
Stewart’s June 12 Instagram post read, “So sorry, my friends. I’m devastated and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans.” The venue’s Instagram story added that, “on the advice of his doctors … he is unable to take the stage this evening.” No further comment was given about the Utah incident.
Criticism Over World Cup Appearance
Fans criticized Stewart for traveling to Boston to watch a Scotland World Cup match hours after canceling the San Diego show, questioning the consistency of his medical excuse with his public appearance.
Key Numbers
- Age: 81 years.
- Venue elevation: ~4,300 feet, a factor noted by several outlets.
- Remaining U.S. dates: multiple shows in July–August, including July 31 at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY.
- Tour finale: scheduled for August 15 in St. Louis.
Conflicting Explanations
Some reports attribute Stewart’s distress to altitude-related breathing difficulty; others emphasize the recent acute respiratory infection and laryngitis. West Valley City’s elevation of roughly 4,300 feet can reduce oxygen availability, leading to dizziness in older performers. No definitive medical clarification has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the show must go on” — Rod Stewart, onstage
- “I nearly f—ing fainted there.” — Rod Stewart, onstage
- “I nearly f—ing fainted there. Would you mind if I sit down for this one?” — Rod Stewart, onstage
- “So sorry, my friends. I’m devastated and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans,” — Rod Stewart, Instagram post
Upcoming Tour Schedule
The “One Last Time” itinerary remains unchanged, with the final U.S. performance set for August 15 in St. Louis. Stewart has indicated that large-scale world tours will end after this run, but he has reiterated that he has “no desire to retire” and plans to pursue smaller-scale engagements thereafter. He has said he will have to do something new, including more TV appearances, after the tour.
