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 critics stunned.
The 81-year-old star, known for hits like Maggie May and Hot Legs, 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 he struggled to catch his breath, staff rushed onstage with an oxygen tank, and a three-person team helped him administer the oxygen, talking him through it and holding him steady as he became unsure on his feet.
Despite his health scare, Sir Rod admirably 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 a few jokes, he 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, demonstrating his commitment to delivering a great performance.
This recent health scare is not an isolated incident, as Sir Rod has cancelled several concerts in recent weeks due to health concerns, including a vocal rest order from doctors and a diagnosis of laryngitis.
He previously cancelled his May 29 and 30 The Encore Shows residency gigs at a Las Vegas venue at the last minute, and on June 12, he cancelled his show in California just hours before it was due to start, citing a doctor's advice and a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection.
However, Sir Rod's decision to fly to Boston to watch Scotland's World Cup match with his sons just a day after cancelling a gig sparked backlash on social media, with fans questioning his priorities and expressing disappointment.
Many fans felt that Sir Rod's actions were disingenuous, especially given that he had cancelled a concert just hours before, and some even questioned whether he was genuinely ill or just using it as an excuse.
While some fans defended Sir Rod, saying he pushed through a performance while under the weather and still delivered a great show, others argued that he should have been more considerate of his fans who had been looking forward to the concert.
The incident has raised concerns about Sir Rod's health and his ability to maintain his vigorous touring schedule, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what the future holds for this music legend.
As a father of eight, Sir Rod's health and well-being are not only important to him but also to his loved ones, and it remains to be seen how he will balance his career and personal life in the coming months.
