Rod Stewart Cancels Vegas Concerts Due To ‘Doctor’s Advice’ Just Hours Before Taking The Stage
Rod Stewart canceled his May 29 and May 30 Las Vegas shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace after doctor’s advice for vocal rest due to a sinus infection. He says he plans to return with performances beginning June 2.
Rod Stewart’s fans didn’t just get bad news—they got it right as the night was supposed to begin.
The 81-year-old rocker canceled two scheduled performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas just hours before he was expected onstage. The shows were set for Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30—part of his ongoing Vegas residency.
A representative for the music icon delivered the update in a statement sent to local media as the cancellation was announced: “Following his doctor’s advice. Rod Stewart has regretfully canceled his performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on May 29 and 30. but is scheduled to return with shows beginning June 2.”.
The timing left many concertgoers stunned. Stewart himself later stepped in with his own explanation. apologizing to his “family of fans” and clarifying that he’s on “vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection.” He added. “I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer.”.
For singers, vocal rest isn’t a casual suggestion. The reason is simple: doctors often recommend it to prevent additional strain and give the voice time to recover—especially when a sinus infection is involved.
Still, the last-minute nature of the cancellations was the part fans felt most sharply. One attendee wrote on X that they received notification of the cancellation at 5:48 p.m. on Friday, claiming it was less than two hours before the show’s scheduled 7:30 p.m. start time.
Reactions on social media swung quickly between concern and anger. One person posted, “Feels like the colosseum is cursed atp.” Another was harsher, writing, “He needs to retire and enjoy the rest of his years in peace, anyway tbh.”
But Stewart has made it clear before that retirement isn’t what’s happening here. He previously announced what many took as a farewell tour. then clarified that he was stepping away from massive worldwide tours—not from music itself. He has also spoken about maintaining his fitness over the years, including after undergoing a knee replacement.
Taken together, the picture fans are left with is both disappointing and oddly familiar: a performer protecting the instrument that makes the job possible. For now, the only certainty on the calendar is the next scheduled return, with shows beginning June 2—while May 29 and 30 remain canceled.
Stewart’s message to supporters was straightforward: he’s focused on recovering, and he’s looking ahead to getting back to Caesars Palace or out on tour this summer.
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