Just hours after Rod Stewart canceled his concert in California due to health issues, he was seen enjoying a FIFA World Cup match, leading to backlash from fans.
The 81-year-old musician called off his performance at San Diego’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheater only 40 minutes before he was meant to go on stage.
Initially, the cancellation was attributed to sinusitis, but later Stewart clarified that he had been diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory tract infection causing laryngitis.
In a social media update, Stewart expressed his regret to fans and mentioned his desire to reschedule the concert, which is part of his One Last Time farewell tour.
However, he faced criticism after posting a video early Saturday of himself boarding a private jet with his sons, heading to Boston to support Scotland in their match against Haiti.
In the video, Stewart cheerfully announced, “I’m flying to Boston to see Scotland at the World Cup,” even singing “No Scotland, No Party!” alongside his sons.
This led to further outrage from fans who noted his seemingly high energy and vocal capability after he claimed he was too ill to perform just the night before.
Photos from the match showed Stewart in Scottish colors, smiling in the crowd, and in one particularly shared image, he had two alcoholic drinks in front of him.
A spokesperson for Stewart defended his cancellation, reiterating that his illness was genuine and stating he had undergone “several rounds of steroids and therapy” to be fit to perform.
The representative added that he was indeed at the venue but couldn’t sing, as the treatment had not kicked in in time for the concert.
This explanation didn’t ease the tension among disappointed fans.
One Instagram user questioned the logic of being too sick to sing yet flying across the country for a soccer game. Another wondered why he would share the video after letting down a significant number of fans so close to showtime.
Stewart is slated to perform next at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado on Monday, but many fans are left wondering if he has indeed made a full recovery and when those in San Diego might finally see the rescheduled concert.
