Sir Rod Stewart has finally addressed the backlash he received after attending a World Cup match just one day after cancelling a concert due to health issues. The 81-year-old singer appeared on talkSPORT to explain his decision, which had sparked widespread criticism from fans.
Backlash over World Cup appearance
Earlier this month, Stewart cancelled a show in Chula Vista, California, just 40 minutes before it was due to start, citing laryngitis. However, the next day, he was seen cheering on Scotland at a Men's World Cup match in Boston alongside his sons Alastair, 20, and Liam, 31, and his wife. Fans were furious, accusing him of prioritizing a sporting event over his paying audience.
Speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT, Stewart admitted: 'No, I got an awful… I really shouldn't have gone to the Haiti game. You know, I had to cancel a show the night before because I just had no voice left.' He acknowledged it 'wasn't a good look' but explained that he had promised his sons since they were born that they would attend a World Cup together, and this was the first opportunity.
Stewart's explanation
'I promised them since they were born that we were going to go to a World Cup. And this is the first one that's come about. And it wasn't a good look, I admit, but I'm going to have to just take the stick. So I did it for the boys,' Stewart said. He flew by private jet from California to Boston to attend the match, where Scotland secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti, their first World Cup win in decades.
During the game, Stewart and his sons were seen chanting 'No Scotland, no party!' with two glasses of what appeared to be alcohol in front of him, further angering disappointed fans who had travelled for the cancelled show.
Health issues and onstage incident
The cancellation was officially blamed on laryngitis after a diagnosis of an acute respiratory infection. Stewart later apologized on social media, stating: 'Following treatment, I am feeling better, but my voice is not.' Despite this, he returned to the stage in Utah, where he nearly fainted and required oxygen. He told the crowd he had 'nearly f**king fainted' but insisted 'the show must go on.'
Stewart's vigorous touring schedule continues, but the incident has raised questions about his health and commitment to fans.
