According to PA media reports, singer Sir Rod Stewart underwent a coronary stent procedure and was forced to cancel his 2026 US tour following medical advice. His wife, Penny Lancaster, shared the health update, noting that the 81-year-old artist is back at full speed in his day-to-day activities but received strict doctor’s orders to postpone or cancel performances due to the physical risks involved.
Tour Cancellations and Medical Orders
The coronary stent procedure arrived after a turbulent year of health issues for the singer, who embarked on what was intended to be his final world tour, titled One Last Time. According to Penny Lancaster, speaking to PA media, she had to explain the high-intensity nature of her husband’s stage shows to his medical team.
“He doesn’t just sit down on a stool or behind a piano, he runs around for nearly two hours with four different costume changes because he’s sweating through everything,” Lancaster said, as reported by PA. She compared his stage entrance to a boxer leaving a dressing room or a horse bursting from the starting blocks.
The precautionary medical orders resulted in the cancellation of several US and Mexico tour dates, including six scheduled nights at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Lancaster stated that the singer was devastated by the cancellations but has received numerous well-wishes from fans. In addition to concert restrictions, doctors issued strict instructions regarding the level of physical workouts he can maintain at home.
Previous Health Issues in 2026
The recent stent procedure follows a series of health-related cancellations earlier in the year. In May, according to PA reports, Stewart cancelled Nevada performances due to a sinus infection that required vocal rest. Less than a month later, a respiratory infection and subsequent laryngitis forced the cancellation of a San Diego show.
Despite the laryngitis diagnosis, Stewart was spotted attending a FIFA World Cup game in Boston with his two sons just one day later. Addressing the appearance on talkSPORT, Stewart admitted it “wasn’t a good look” and explained that he wanted to keep a long-standing promise to his children.
Later in June, during a performance in Utah, the singer experienced severe fatigue on stage and paused the show to breathe from an oxygen tank. He addressed the crowd, stating, “The show must go on. I nearly f***ing fainted there. Would you mind if I sit down for this one?” He finished the remainder of the concert seated.
Future Performance Plans
Although One Last Time was billed as a farewell to large-scale world tours, Stewart expressed a desire to continue performing in more intimate settings. Speaking on Instagram in 2024, the singer noted that he felt “Forever Young” and maintained high physical fitness.
“This will be the end of large scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire. I love what I do, and I do what I love,” Stewart wrote in the 2024 post. He floated the idea of launching a Great American Songbook or Swing Fever tour featuring smaller venues, though he left open the possibility of changing his plans.
According to Lancaster, her husband currently feels he has a “new lease of life” and will “come back stronger than ever” once fully cleared by medical professionals.
Did you know? Sir Rod Stewart famously claimed in 2024 that he could run 100 metres in 18 seconds at the age of 79, maintaining an active lifestyle alongside his decades-long music career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sir Rod Stewart cancel his US tour?
Sir Rod Stewart cancelled his 2026 US tour after undergoing a coronary stent procedure and receiving strict medical orders to avoid the high-intensity physical demands of his stage performances.
What health issues has Sir Rod Stewart faced recently?
Earlier in the year, Stewart experienced a sinus infection, a respiratory infection resulting in laryngitis, and a near-fainting episode on stage in Utah before undergoing his coronary stent procedure.
Does Sir Rod Stewart plan to retire from music?
While One Last Time was designated as his final large-scale world tour, Stewart has stated he has no desire to retire and may pursue smaller, more intimate venue performances in the future.
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