Rod Stewart Cancels U.S. Shows Due to Flu, Eyes Glastonbury Comeback

Rod Stewart's Health Struggles Force Major U.S. Tour Cancellations

A wave of disappointment swept across fans when Rod Stewart, the legendary rocker now at 80, announced he would scrap or shuffle multiple concerts in Nevada and California. Blame the flu—unrelenting and badly timed. Out went three Vegas gigs at Caesars Palace from June 7 through 10, along with a June 14 date at Lake Tahoe. Two more shows, originally slated for June 12 in Rancho Mirage and June 15 in Paso Robles, got pushed far into September.

It's not just a routine schedule shuffle. Stewart has been managing these relentless setbacks amid the tail end of a larger U.S. run, and he's made it clear just how much these shows meant. He wrote on Instagram that he was 'devastated' to let fans down, and his camp took pains to explain that doctors said real rest is the only way forward—especially with some very public eyes on him as Glastonbury Festival looms on June 29.

He’s not just loafing around with a cup of tea and Netflix, either. Stewart's team revealed he's wearing a lanyard that flashes "vocal rest" in public—an old-school method but a clear message: No talking, no risking the vocal cords. Every ounce of energy is being saved for what's coming up: the Glastonbury 'legends' slot, a career milestone for any British singer, let alone one with decades of stadium-shaking anthems under his belt.

The Road to Glastonbury and Beyond—A Career in Transition

This round of cancellations might worry fans who see shades of Stewart’s past health scares. The rock icon dealt with thyroid cancer in 2000 and prostate surgery in 2017. Still, he soldiers on, telling everyone who’ll listen that he’s not skipping Glastonbury. In fact, there’s extra buzz: he’ll be reuniting on stage with Ronnie Wood, his old Faces bandmate—something that fans of classic rock have waited years for.

Behind the scenes, there’s a sense that the curtain is falling, at least on the big, relentless touring lifestyle. Stewart has hinted that this tour marks the end of his massive arena gigs. He’s looking to dial down in 2025, choosing more intimate venues and scaled-back performances. The grind of traveling, coupled with the need for vocal preservation, means change is coming fast.

As everyone hopes for a triumphant Glastonbury set, fans anxiously check Stewart’s official pages for updates about rescheduled shows or more tour changes. Still, with his history of bouncing back and his determination to make his mark in Somerset, most are betting the flu won’t stop one of rock’s undeniable survivors.