Rod Stewart cancels concert in Cincinnati and announces medical procedure

The singer had previously canceled or postponed individual concerts for health reasons. The current cancellation fits into this phase and affects the performance at the Riverbend Music Center, a large open-air venue on the Ohio River north of Cincinnati.

Background: Rod Stewart's ongoing tour

In Cincinnati, fans expressed surprise at the short-notice cancellation on the evening of the planned show. Many had purchased tickets in pre-sale and had traveled specifically to the concert. Management initially pointed to the medical procedure as the reason.

During the 2025 summer tour, Stewart returned to the stage at a concert in Utah after a brief interruption. This return to the stage was documented by audience members at the time and shows that Stewart is also trying to continue pursuing his ongoing tour plans even after health setbacks.

The ongoing North American tour includes further dates in the US, according to organizers. Following the cancellation in Cincinnati, it is unclear whether and in what form the postponed show can be rescheduled. Ticket holders are asked to contact the respective pre-sale outlets.

Fan reactions and the gap in Cincinnati

Possible further dates in Mexico referenced in tour announcements are, according to the current state of information, not affected by the cancellation in Cincinnati. Whether there will be further postponements depends on the course of the procedure and medical advice.

On social media, fans spoke up and sent the singer their wishes for a speedy recovery. Colleagues from the music industry also expressed their wishes for his recovery in interviews and online. Reports of the cancellation spread quickly via entertainment portals such as TMZ.

Stewart belongs to a generation of rock musicians who continue to tour regularly even at an advanced age. Comparable short-notice cancellations for health reasons have occurred repeatedly among artists of a similar age in recent years.

Open questions about the procedure and rescheduled date

His team provided no information about the nature of the procedure or the expected duration of recovery. A new date for the show in Cincinnati, or a possible move to another location, was also not initially confirmed.

The North American tour is continuing according to organizers, although individual dates may be adjusted. Fans who have already purchased tickets for the show in Cincinnati are asked to obtain information about refunds directly from the organizer and the pre-sale outlets.

Overall, it remains to be seen how quickly the singer will be able to perform again after the procedure. His recent appearances this year, including stops in the US, had shown that he continues to be active on stage despite his age.

For Cincinnati, the cancellation means a gap in a densely scheduled open-air summer program at the Riverbend Music Center. According to the organizer, the venue itself will likely conclude the planned evening without a replacement program, unless a rescheduled show is announced.