Cincinnati among affected shows after Rod Stewart cancels 2026 tour

Rod Stewart is canceling his upcoming shows, including a Las Vegas residency, to recover from a medical procedure. "Following further medical evaluation, Sir Rod Stewart has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure," his representatives said in a statement to USA TODAY on Aug. 11. "

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What is the story about?

Rod Stewart is canceling his upcoming shows, including a Las Vegas residency, to recover from a medical procedure.

"Following further medical evaluation, Sir Rod Stewart has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure," his representatives said in a statement to USA TODAY on Aug. 11. "Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities."

The statement continued, "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 update came days after the singer postponed a Cincinnati concert hours before showtime "due to

an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention." The concert has since been canceled.

Stewart, 81, has been journeying around the world on his One Last Time farewell tour since March 2025. He was scheduled to perform in the Midwest and Mexico, as well as a six-night stint at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from Aug. 18-29.

"I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend," Stewart said. "I want to thank the 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."

Ticketholders will receive information about the affected performances by "the respective promoters and venues," Stewart's representative said.

Why did Rod Stewart undergo a coronary stenat procedure?

A coronary artery stent – "a small, metal mesh tube that expands inside a coronary artery – is typically placed during angioplasty, a procedure that opens "narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart," according to Medline Plus. The stent prevents the artery from narrowing again.

Stent placement is considered a "minimally invasive procedure," according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and is used to treat coronary artery disease as well as in emergencies such as heart attacks.

Stewart has battled both thyroid cancer – in the early 2000s, which left him unable to sing for nine months – and prostate cancer in 2017. And in 2025, the singer canceled several shows after a lengthy bout with the flu.

In June, the "Forever Young" singer said that he'd "nearly fainted," explaining what happened when an oxygen tank and mask were brought out on stage during a performance as he appeared to have breathing troubles.

As he returned to center stage, he told the audience that he was "trying to do a … little step and the dance and everything." He added, ready to launch into his next song, "Would you mind if I sat down for this one?"