Sir Rod Stewart, 81, is forced to cancel California show at the last minute amid health concerns

Sir Rod Stewart was forced to cancel a gig at the last minute on Friday after falling ill. 

The singer, 81, had been due to perform at the Chula Vista’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre but cancelled the show while fans were queuing to enter the venue. 

In an Instagram post, his team revealed: 'Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California.

'He travelled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of his doctors and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis, he is unable to take to the stage this evening.'

Rod later shared a photo of himself standing on stage in the empty stadium as he apologised to fans for the cancellation. 

He penned: 'Well here I am in beautiful Chula Vista as the stage is being taken down around me. Following treatment, I'm feeling much better, but my voice is not.'

Rod continued: 'I'm very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. 

'I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but unfortunately it just wasn't possible. I will do my utmost to reschedule.'

Fans were left devastated by the last minute cancellation, taking to Reddit to share their upset. 

Concertgoers penned: 'We arrived to the gate and they told us it was canceled 5 minutes ago. There was even people inside already waiting!'; 

'Oh man, I just got turned away at the gate! Hope everyone is ok'; 'We spent 4 hours driving down in the traffic and waiting around.' 

The news comes as an even bigger blow due to the fact Rod has hinted at retirement. 

He is currently on his One Last Time tour, which kicked off in 2024, and he has suggested this could be his last one. 

Speaking on TalkSport last month, he shared: 'I’ve got 40-odd shows this year and that’s not really a lot. And I’m touring the U.K. next year and doing the O2 and that will probably be it, I think. 

'I’ll have to do something new… come on your show more often!' 

While Rod has been enjoying his time in America, he recently made his feelings about their President very clear. 

Last month, Rod met with King Charles at an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the King’s Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, when talk turned to politics. 

Referring to the King's state visit to the US, he congratulated Charles on his trip to the 'Americas'. 

The singer said: 'May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place.'

Charles' reply was indistinct, apart from a subsequent mention later in the conversation of 'yes exactly', as Rod replied: 'It went right over his head'. 

There was speculation this could be a reference to the King's well-received speech in Congress.

Royal sources stressed that as it could not be heard what His Majesty said he shouldn't be seen as agreeing with the star.