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Rod Stewart forced to pause live show to use oxygen tank after 'nearly fainting' on stage
It was the latest health-related complication to strike the rock star's current tour.
John Medina/Getty Images
- David Craig
Published: Sunday, 21 June 2026 at 11:54 am
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Rock legend Sir Rod Stewart left some fans concerned this weekend, after appearing to almost faint mid-performance, with an oxygen tank being brought on stage to assist him.
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The icon is currently on a global tour, thought by some to be his farewell to live shows, with last night's stop-off being in West Valley City, Utah, in the United States, a show began like any other performance.
However, things took a turn partway through, when Stewart appeared unsteady on his feet, relying on set dressing for support. Moments later, staffers came on stage to offer physical support and an oxygen canister.
Not one to leave a crowd disappointed, Stewart announced that the "show must go on" but told the audience he "nearly f***ing fainted" before proceeding with the performance.
For the next number, he took a seat on a set of steps on stage, sounding spirited as he asked the crowd: "Would you mind if I sat down for this one?"
Footage of the incident was shared with TMZ.
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The 81-year-old's latest tour hasn't been without disruption, with a few cancelled shows along the way, including a gig in Chula Vista, California earlier this month when Stewart shared that his voice had been severely impacted by a bout of laryngitis.
"I'm very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans," he wrote, after announcing the last-minute change on 12 June. "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."
That Sunday, Stewart attended the World Cup match between Scotland and Haiti.
This time last year, the veteran performer spoke to Radio Times about continuing to perform into his 8os, as he prepared to take on the famed 'legends' slot at Glastonbury.
"The vocal cords need a lot of looking after. I mean, they're absolute gold," he shared. "I warm up for an hour, warm down for half an hour. And when I feel I'm losing my voice, I go into what they call 'voice rest' and wear a little card around my neck that says 'I can’t talk. Don't talk to me.' And it's remarkable how your voice will come back."
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Authors
David CraigSenior Drama Writer
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
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