Rock icon Rod Stewart needed oxygen during a concert in West Valley City, Utah, on Friday night. The 81-year-old singer, a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, was performing the 1981 hit “Young Turks” when he began leaning on the keyboard and drum screen for support. Despite the struggle, he continued singing, tapping his feet, and moving slightly to the music.
Eventually, an assistant brought an oxygen tank onto the stage. After taking several deep breaths, Stewart told the audience, “The show must go on. I nearly fucking fainted up there.” He explained that attempting his dance moves had worsened his condition. “Would you mind if I sat down for this one?” he asked, lowering himself onto the stage steps. A chair was brought out shortly after.
Show Continued Despite Scare
According to Setlist.fm, Stewart performed seven more songs after the oxygen incident, completing the full setlist. The venue, located approximately 4,300 feet above sea level, may have contributed to his breathing difficulties, as noted by TMZ. In contrast, his Sunday night performance in Rancho Mirage, California, proceeded without apparent issues, based on social media reports.
Recent Health Struggles
Stewart has been battling illness in recent weeks, canceling several shows. Last week, he canceled multiple performances due to an acute upper respiratory infection and laryngitis. However, he caused controversy among fans when he was spotted at a World Cup game in Boston shortly after canceling a show in California. In a video from what appeared to be a private jet, he boasted, “I’ve been to seven World Cups,” before singing “No Scotland, No Party.”
