Rod Stewart, 81, paused a concert in West Valley City, Utah, on Friday, June 19, after breathing difficulties nearly led to fainting and he was given an oxygen tank.
Rod Stewart didn’t just power through—he had to catch his breath. During his show at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City, Utah, on Friday, June 19, the 81-year-old “Maggie May” singer began struggling to breathe, then paused the concert after the moment turned alarming.
Stewart was seen doubling over in discomfort and leaning on nearby props to steady himself. He spoke to the crowd and tried to keep things light while the situation settled in: “The show must go on. ” he told his assembled fans. then added. “I nearly f****** fainted there. Would you mind if I sit down for this one?”.
Staff brought Stewart an oxygen tank to use. After that, he remained seated for the rest of the concert, but he was still able to perform.
The incident lands amid a rough stretch of tour disruptions. Stewart recently canceled a June 12 San Diego show just 40 minutes before curtain time. At the time. his reps said. “He traveled to the venue and made every effort to perform. ” but that “on the advice of his doctors and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis. he is unable to take to the stage this evening.” Stewart himself wrote on social media from Chula Vista. saying he was “feeling much better” after treatment but “my voice is not.” He added. “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.”.
Yet just 24 hours after the San Diego cancellation, Stewart posted that he was flying to Boston to watch Scotland play in the World Cup. A video showed his voice sounding unaffected to fans, and that prompted people to question the earlier laryngitis explanation.
Before San Diego, Stewart had already forced changes in late May. He canceled two Las Vegas tour dates—The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on May 29 and May 30—again citing health issues. In a statement released then. it was said that “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.”.
Taken together. the latest pause in West Valley City has intensified scrutiny around how Stewart’s health is affecting the tour—and how quickly those plans can shift. The pattern of canceled dates and last-minute turnarounds has left fans watching not just the setlists. but the signals from Stewart’s own body and his posts online.
For now, the immediate takeaway from Friday night is clear: when Stewart felt himself close to fainting, he accepted oxygen and stayed seated—still performing, but with his well-being dictating the pace.
Rod Stewart Maggie May concert oxygen tank West Valley City Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre health issues nearly fainted laryngitis acute upper respiratory infection San Diego Las Vegas World Cup Scotland
Oxygen tanks are no joke wow.
So he paused but still performed? That’s like… kinda the opposite of “must go on” lol. Hope he’s okay, but I’m not gonna lie I thought it was a stunt at first.
Wait I thought he canceled because he was mad or something, not a laryngitis/upper respiratory infection thing. Also “oxygen tank follows” sounds like the tank came after he fainted? Like did he almost black out and then they brought it like right then? Either way, 81 is wild.
Man the way they worded this makes it confusing. “The show must go on” and then he sits down for the rest… but he still performs so was it really “paused” like totally? Also I feel like this is from being on tour too much, like constant travel dries you out or whatever. Hope his voice comes back, because that’s his whole thing.