81-Year-Old Rod Stewart Uses Oxygen Tank Mid-Concert to Battle High Utah Elevation

Published 06/21/2026, 11:21 PM CDT

Credits: I Don't Want To Talk About It (from One Night Only! Rod Stewart Live at Royal Albert Hall)/ Rod Stewart via YouTube

At 81, Rod Stewart is still doing what very few rock legends his age can claim: crisscrossing the globe, belting out hits, and packing amphitheaters with fans who have been singing along for decades. His current tour has him onstage for full-length sets, trading banter with the crowd and leaning into the show-must-go-on ethos that has defined his career since the 1970s.

But even for someone as stubbornly energetic as Stewart, the realities of age and tough touring conditions are beginning to show at the edges.

And his latest concert scare in Utah made that impossible to ignore.

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Rod Stewart pauses mid-show as high altitude wakes its toll

During a show at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City, Rod Stewart visibly began to struggle partway through the performance. Audience footage captured him holding onto nearby equipment for balance, moving cautiously, and bending over as he tried to continue singing. The energy shift was clear as fans watched him push through discomfort.

The moment escalated when Stewart signaled to his crew for assistance. An oxygen tank was brought onstage, and he took several deep breaths in full view of the audience. Rather than panic, the crowd responded with encouragement, applauding his effort to steady himself and carry on.

After regaining composure, Stewart addressed the situation with humor. He admitted he had nearly passed out but reassured fans before choosing to complete the set while seated. The likely cause pointed toward the venue’s elevation of around 4,300 feet, combined with his age and recent health concerns.

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The Utah moment is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern surrounding Stewart's ongoing health struggle.

Rod Stewart fights flu amidst ongoing tour

In recent weeks, Rob Stewart has been dealing with flu-related health issues that have disrupted his touring schedule. The illness forced him to cancel four shows and reschedule two others, following medical advice to prioritize recovery. He later shared an update with fans, expressing disappointment while emphasizing the need to fully heal.

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The timing of these setbacks is especially significant given his upcoming appearance at the Glastonbury Festival, which included big names like Olivia Rodrigo in the lineup. As one of the most prominent stages in music, the event demands a high level of stamina, with Stewart expected to perform an extended set in front of a massive audience. Flu symptoms can linger beyond initial recovery, particularly when it comes to breathing and fatigue.

Stewart’s recent experience in Utah underscores how quickly those factors can compound. Looking ahead, Stewart has already acknowledged that his touring approach is evolving. He has indicated plans to step back from large-scale world tours while remaining active for select appearances. This shift reflects both practical considerations and a recognition of the physical demands that come with decades on the road.

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What do you think about Rod Stewart continuing to perform through challenges like this? Let us know in the comments.

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Pratham Gurung

323 articles

If films shape personalities, Pratham was practically raised in a dark theater, pulling off twenty-four-hour movie marathons and falling into hour-long YouTube video essays at 3 a.m., his fascination with cinema never really having an off switch.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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