Rod Stewart pulls out of Chula Vista gig due to laryngitis diagnosis

Rod Stewart was forced to cancel a scheduled performance in California on Friday, June 12, just hours before he was due to take the stage, after falling ill with laryngitis.

The 81-year-old music icon was set to perform at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista but was unable to go ahead with the show following a medical diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection affecting his voice.

A statement shared on his Instagram Stories confirmed the last-minute cancellation.

“Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California,” the post read.

“He traveled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of his doctor… he is unable to take the stage this evening.”

The condition, laryngitis, occurs when the voice box becomes inflamed and can lead to hoarseness or temporary loss of voice.

Stewart also addressed fans directly in a separate message, sharing a photo from the empty stage and expressing disappointment over the situation.

“Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not,” he wrote. “I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t possible.”

He added that he hopes to reschedule the performance.

The cancellation comes shortly after Stewart had previously postponed two Las Vegas residency shows in late May due to a doctor-ordered vocal rest following a sinus infection.

At the time, he apologized to fans and assured them he intended to return to the stage once recovered, resuming performances on June 2.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), laryngitis symptoms often include voice loss, hoarseness, sore throat, and coughing, and typically resolve within one to two weeks.