Rod Stewart Draws Criticism After World Cup Outing Follows Concert Cancellation

Rod Stewart has become the target of criticism from disappointed fans after appearing at the 2026 World Cup barely 24 hours following his abrupt cancellation of a scheduled performance in Southern California.

On Saturday morning, June 13, the 81-year-old musician posted a video to Instagram showing himself aboard a private jet en route to Boston with his sons Liam, 31, and Alastair, 20. In the footage, Stewart explained his travel plans: "Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup. It's been 28 years so these kids, I've told them about it, but they've never been. I've been to seven World Cups."

The accompanying caption read, "Me and the boys off to Boston to see our Scotland in the World Cup! No Scotland no party."

The timing proved controversial. The night before, Stewart was set to perform at San Diego's North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre but pulled out 45 minutes before showtime. A statement from the venue attributed the cancellation to medical concerns, stating that Stewart "traveled 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 the stage this evening."

Stewart acknowledged the cancellation through an Instagram Story post, saying, "Following treatment, I'm feeling much better, but my voice is not. I'm very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight."

The World Cup post immediately drew an influx of critical comments from fans expressing frustration with the situation. One commenter wrote, "I understand that shows sometimes have to be canceled, and if there was a legitimate reason, most fans would have accepted it. What's hard to accept is seeing you apparently celebrating on a plane with friends less than 24 hours after thousands of people were sent home disappointed in San Diego. Many traveled long distances, paid for hotels, parking, tickets, and took time off work to be there. Then to see you flying across the country for a soccer game the very next morning makes the situation feel even more tone deaf."

Another fan questioned the circumstances: "This feels rather disingenuous, especially after your cancellation last night. Too ill to perform but okay to fly across the country for soccer?"

Additional responses ranged from disappointed to pointed. One person remarked, "Hey Rod, lost a little respect for you canceling your concert the night before disappointing a stadium full of people. Hard to believe you really had laryngitis! You sound like you have a voice to me! i used to really like you, but when I say I lost a little respect, I mean a LOT of respect!"

One commenter dubbed Stewart "The KING of Concert Cancelations."

As of now, Stewart has not publicly responded to the criticism. He is scheduled to perform at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado on Monday, June 15.