Watch: Music legend stops gig to use oxygen tank

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2026, 1:55pm

Sir Rod Stewart had to pause his concert in Utah on Sunday to use an oxygen tank after nearly fainting on stage.

The Sailing singer performed in the United States on Sunday, weeks after cancelling a series of gigs for health reasons.

Stewart paused his performance and an oxygen tank was brought on to the stage. He took a few deep breaths using it, then turned to speak to the crowd.

“The show must go on,” he said.

“I nearly f***ing fainted there. Would you mind if I sit down for this one?”

He then sat down to continue performing.

The gig was taking place in West Valley City, which is 1300m above sea level. It is possible the altitude was a contributing factor to the singer’s difficulties.

Sir Rod Stewart had to use an oxygen tank during a performance in Utah over the weekend. Photo / Supplied

A week earlier, the 81-year-old singer cancelled a show in San Diego a few minutes before he was expected to go on stage.

He later revealed he had been diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection that led him to develop laryngitis.

However, he was criticised when, a day later, he was spotted attending a World Cup match in Boston.

He travelled by private jet to Boston with his two sons and could be seen in the stands cheering for Scotland while enjoying a drink.

Despite his recent health issues, Stewart has said he does not intend to step away from the stage.

Announcing his current “One Last Time” farewell tour, the singer, who was previously married to New Zealand model Rachel Hunter, said he was stepping away from large-scale world tours but not leaving the stages completely.

“I’m fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100m in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79,” he said while announcing the tour in 2024.

The Have You Ever Seen the Rain singer is expected to continue his tour in the US, with several shows booked before the final one in mid-August.