Sir Rod Stewart is giving fans a reassuring update after a pair of canceled shows. Unfortunately, though, he’ll need to stay off the road for the next four weeks as he recovers from a recent heart procedure.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure and is “very much on the mend,” according to a statement provided to Billboard on Tuesday (Aug. 11).
“Following further medical evaluation, Sir Rod Stewart has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure,” the statement reads. “Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities. On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage. Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.”
The statement also includes a quote from Stewart, who assured his fans: “I’m already feeling better. I want to thank doctors, nurses, and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me. I’m deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.”
The update comes after Stewart canceled consecutive performances in Cincinnati and Cleveland this week. His Aug. 9 concert at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati was postponed after the venue stated an “unforeseen but minor medical procedure” that needed attention. His scheduled Aug. 11 performance at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena was subsequently canceled after doctors advised him to rest for at least 48 hours.
Stewart is now confirming that he had a coronary stent inserted, which is a small mesh tube used to help keep a narrowed or blocked artery open and improve blood flow.
The health update puts Stewart’s upcoming performance schedule on hold as he focuses on recovery. His One Last Time Tour had been scheduled to continue with an Aug. 14 performance at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines and an Aug. 15 show at the Morton Amphitheater in Kansas City, before his Encore Shows residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas set to resume on Aug. 18.
Stewart was also set to resume his North American touring schedule on Sept. 1 at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, with additional performances planned throughout September, including dates at Illinois’ Ravinia Festival, shows in Mexico and two nights at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colo.
For now, Stewart is taking the doctors’ advice and stepping away from the stage with his sights set on returning once he has regained moderate health. Information regarding tour dates affected will be addressed soon by their corresponding promoters and venues.
