Rod Stewart Faces Criticism After World Cup Trip
Rod Stewart is in hot water with fans after he attended a FIFA World Cup match in Boston just a day after canceling a concert in California due to health concerns.
The 81-year-old musician called off his concert at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista, California, just 40 minutes before it was set to begin. The event organizer, Live Nation, stated that Stewart was dealing with a recurrence of a sinus infection. However, a representative later clarified that he was actually suffering from an acute upper respiratory infection, which caused laryngitis.
In a post on his Instagram Stories, Stewart expressed his disappointment, sharing a photo of the empty stage as crews dismantled the setup. He wrote, “I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but unfortunately it just wasn’t possible. I will do my utmost to reschedule.”
The following day, Stewart posted a video showing him on a private jet with his sons, heading to Boston to support Scotland in the World Cup. He remarked, “Me and the boys off to Boston to see our Scotland in the World Cup! No Scotland no party!” He noted this was Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, and expressed hope they would progress further in the tournament.
While some concertgoers applauded his excitement, many fans were not pleased. They took to social media to voice their concerns about the timing of his trip. Comments like “Too ill to perform but okay to fly across the country for soccer?” reflected their frustration, highlighting the disappointment of those who had traveled and made arrangements for the concert.
Others defended Stewart, pointing out that while he may have had a voice issue, that doesn’t necessarily mean he couldn’t travel. They emphasized the difference between watching a game and performing in front of a crowd for hours.
A representative confirmed that Stewart had received medical treatment prior to the concert and was advised not to perform.
The concert cancellation added to a series of health-related issues for Stewart, who has been managing his well-being during his “One Last Time” tour. Earlier in May, he had to cancel two shows in Las Vegas due to similar health problems.
Fans who purchased tickets for the Chula Vista show will automatically receive refunds, while those who bought tickets through resale platforms must contact their sellers for reimbursement.
Despite the controversies, Stewart remains hopeful about rescheduling the canceled concert and continuing his tour.
