UMVA has learned that music legend Sir Rod Stewart was forced to pause a concert to use an oxygen tank after nearly fainting onstage, leaving fans and fellow musicians stunned.
The iconic singer, known for hits like Maggie May and Young Turks, appeared unwell and was doubled over while performing at a Utah concert venue on Friday night, with video footage showing him leaning on a piano and grabbing other parts of the set for support.
As the 81-year-old star struggled to catch his breath, staff rushed onstage with an oxygen tank, and a three-person team helped him through the moment, talking him through it and holding him steady as he became unsure on his feet.
Miraculously, Sir Rod carried on singing throughout the song, later telling the crowd he had ‘nearly fking fainted’ but that ‘the show must go on’, earning praise for his dedication to his fans.
After making light of the moment with a few jokes, Sir Rod asked if the crowd would ‘mind’ if he performed his next hit while sitting on steps on the stage, before finishing the show sitting in a chair, his voice still strong despite the earlier scare.
This recent incident comes on the heels of several concert cancellations in May and June, including a May 29 and 30 residency gig in Las Vegas, which was scrapped at the last minute due to a vocal rest order from doctors.
At the time, Sir Rod explained that he was recovering from a sinus infection and needed to take it easy, but fans were left disappointed, especially when he later posted a video of himself and his sons flying to Boston in a private jet to watch a World Cup match.
The Sailing singer faced backlash for the trip, with many criticizing him for prioritizing his vacation over his health and commitments to his fans, who had been looking forward to his performances.
Despite the challenges, Sir Rod has continued to tour and perform, albeit with some adjustments to accommodate his health, demonstrating his enduring passion for music and his loyal fan base.
