Rod Stewart Cancels Tour After Undergoing Heart Surgery

(THECOUNT) — Rock icon Rod Stewart is recovering after undergoing what his representatives described as a routine coronary stent procedure, with doctors advising the legendary singer to take four weeks away from the stage.

A statement shared Tuesday on Stewart’s official Instagram account said the 81-year-old singer “has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure” and is doing well following the treatment.

“Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities,” the statement said.

Despite the positive update, Stewart’s medical team has advised him to step away from his current touring schedule for the next four weeks to allow him to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to performing.

The decision means several upcoming tour dates will be canceled or otherwise affected. According to the statement, information concerning individual performances will be provided by the respective promoters and venues.

A coronary stent is a small mesh tube placed inside a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to help improve blood flow to the heart. The procedure is commonly performed using a catheter rather than traditional open-heart surgery. The statement from Stewart’s representatives did not disclose which artery was treated or provide additional details about the underlying condition that led doctors to recommend the procedure.

Stewart’s announcement also did not indicate that he had suffered a heart attack. Instead, his representatives characterized the procedure as routine and emphasized that doctors were pleased with his recovery.

The singer’s decision to follow his doctors’ recommendation represents a temporary interruption to a career that has remained remarkably active more than five decades after he first became an international star.

Stewart rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s through his work with the Jeff Beck Group and Faces before launching a hugely successful solo career. His distinctive raspy voice and blend of rock, pop, soul and folk helped make him one of the best-selling recording artists of his generation.

His solo catalog includes such enduring hits as “Maggie May,” “You Wear It Well,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” “Forever Young” and “Have I Told You Lately.” He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of Faces.

Rather than stepping away from music as he entered his later years, Stewart has continued recording and performing for audiences around the world. His touring career has included large-scale concert runs, festival appearances and extended residencies.

Stewart has previously been open about a number of health challenges. In recent years, he has discussed his battle with prostate cancer, revealing that he was diagnosed in 2017 and underwent treatment after the disease was caught at an early stage. He subsequently used his public profile to encourage men to undergo regular health screenings.

He has also spoken publicly about other health issues over the years, including a bout with COVID-19 and the physical demands of continuing to perform at an advanced age.

For now, however, Stewart’s representatives say the singer has returned to his normal daily activities. The four-week recovery period is intended to give him time to regain his strength before resuming his demanding schedule.

The announcement comes as Stewart continues a touring career that has made him a fixture on concert stages for decades. Known for elaborate productions, energetic performances and his unmistakable voice, the singer has maintained a schedule that would be demanding even for considerably younger performers.

No additional medical information was released in the statement, and no specific details were provided regarding the exact tour performances affected by the cancellation. Promoters and venues are expected to communicate directly with ticket holders regarding individual dates.

Stewart’s representatives emphasized that he is doing well following the procedure and intends to return to the stage after the recommended recovery period.

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