Sir Rod Stewart cancels Australian show due to illness

Sir Rod Stewart said he canceled a performance in Australia because he was told he had a “viral infection”.

The 78-year-old singer-songwriter, who has had six number one hits in the UK charts including Baby Jane and Maggie May, was scheduled to sing at the A Day On The Green venue in Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: The concert in Victoria was canceled hours in advance

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He posted a statement on Twitter that he was “absolutely devastated” at “disappointing” fans and is working hard to return to the stage.

Sir Rod added: “This morning I was told I have a viral infection and my throat is too sore to sing.

“I’m only human and sometimes I get sick, just like you. My greatest joy is performing for you, so I’ll do whatever it takes to get back on my feet and get back on stage.”

American musician Cyndi Lauper, 69, and New Zealand singer John Stevens, 61, were set to perform alongside the British star.

Sir Rod will next play at the AEC Arena in Adelaide on Tuesday before having five more Australian dates including stops in Mt Cotton and Sydney.

He will then perform in New Zealand, Mexico, USA, Ireland, UK and Spain between April and September.

A previous statement from Live Nation and Roundhouse Entertainment on the show’s cancellation read, “We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience to ticket holders.

“Another announcement regarding the concert arrangements will be made early next week.”

Sir Rod had postponed his Australian tour dates last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and said he was “absolutely disappointed”.

His last album, The Tears Of Hercules, released in 2021, reached number five in the UK Singles Chart.