Rod Stewart's Health Struggles: What Happened And What's Next?

Let’s talk about Rod Stewart, one of the most iconic voices in music history. Recently, he's been dealing with some health challenges that have kept him off the stage for a few performances in 2024. It’s not just fans who are worried; it’s hitting Rod hard too. For someone who’s spent decades thrilling audiences, missing shows isn’t something he takes lightly.

What’s Really Going On With Rod Stewart?

In August 2024, Rod announced he would be extending his Las Vegas residency—a move that surprised no one, given how much he loves performing there. But let’s back up a bit. Just when fans were eagerly awaiting his 200th show of his Rod Stewart: The Hits residency, Rod had to step away from the spotlight.

Rod shared the news on Instagram, saying, "Vegas, I’m having too much fun for this to end so we are coming back for an encore! Don’t miss The Encore Shows Las Vegas Residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace March 12-22 & May 29-June 8! Tickets on sale Monday at 10amPT!"

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But that same day, the show had to go on without him. In a heartfelt statement, Rod explained, "I’m desperately sorry to miss this 200th show celebration. Most people can work with strep throat, but obviously not me. I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve been looking forward to this concert for so long. My deepest regrets for any inconvenience this has caused. Thankfully, we’ll now be returning in 2025, and I hope to see you all there."

And as if that wasn’t enough, a few days later, Rod was forced to cancel even more shows after catching a summer strain of COVID-19. A statement on his social media accounts read, "We regret to announce that tonight’s Rod Stewart concert in Stateline, NV, and his August 10 show in Lincoln, CA, have been postponed as the singer recovers from a summer strain of COVID-19. The Lincoln, CA concert at Thunder Valley Casino will now be on August 18, and his concert at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s in Stateline, NV, will now be August 20. Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets as they will be honored for the rescheduled shows."

Before canceling these shows, Rod, who has battled prostate cancer in the past, opened up about his upcoming 80th birthday. He told The Sun in July 2024, "I’m aware my days are numbered, but I’ve got no fear. We all have to pass on at some point, so we’re all in the same boat. I’m going to enjoy myself for these last few years as much as I can."

And when it comes to his pre-show and post-show rituals, Rod is all about having a good time with his team. The "Sailing" singer revealed, "The older you get, the more you have to do that. Water has a lot to do with it, but no, you think I just have water on my rider? You’re talking to Rod Stewart here, mate. We go wild after every show. There are 13 of us, six women, really great musicians, and I make them drink. We absolutely love it."

As for his drink of choice, Bacardi usually gets him warmed up before the show, while martinis are the go-to after the performance. Rod said, "Most bands go home and go to bed after a show, but not us. We have a big old party."

But those close to Rod are concerned about his health. An insider told Closer in August 2024, "Rod always prided himself in his ability to drink with the best of them. But now people are afraid of the cumulative damage he’s done to himself." The source added, "Rod’s gotta realize that continued drinking will only wreck his reputation and his health. It stops being cute when you’re nearly 80!"

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Is Rod Stewart Calling It Quits?

Despite the health challenges in 2024, Rod made it clear to fans that retirement isn’t on his mind. In June 2023, he told People, "No, no, no, no, no, no. I love what I do." He also expressed an interest in exploring a different musical genre. "This will be the last time around, I think, to do the rock ‘n’ roll stuff because I want to move on to swing music and the Great American Songbook," he explained.

Rod added, "But I’m not taking my songs to the cemetery and burying them. I might bring them out on the odd occasion, but I basically would like to put them to rest for a little while. No more big tours. I’ve said farewell to Australia and New Zealand and Mexico, so it’s time to say farewell to the U.S. now."