Rod Stewart pauses Utah concert to use oxygen onstage after nearly fainting during live performance

Rod Stewart briefly stopped his concert in Utah after nearly fainting onstage and was given oxygen during the performance, according to TMZ.

The 81-year-old singer was performing at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City on Friday night when audience members noticed he was moving less than usual across the stage.

Video footage shared online showed Stewart leaning on stage equipment and support structures while continuing to sing.

At one point during the show, crew members brought an oxygen tank onstage. Stewart took several breaths before addressing the audience directly.

“The show must go on,” he told concertgoers. “I nearly f**ing fainted there. Would you mind if I sit down for this one?”

He then completed the remainder of the performance seated in a chair.

West Valley City’s elevation of around 4,300 feet has been noted as a possible contributing factor to his discomfort during the show.

The incident comes shortly after Stewart cancelled a June 12 concert in San Diego less than an hour before it was due to begin. At the time, organisers cited a sinus infection, while Stewart later confirmed he had an acute upper respiratory infection that caused laryngitis.

He also cancelled two Las Vegas performances in May due to vocal rest, telling fans he was recovering from illness but intended to return to touring.

Despite recent health concerns, Stewart has maintained he does not plan to retire from performing. In 2024, he announced his One Last Time tour would mark the end of large-scale world tours, but clarified he still intends to continue live performances.

“I have no desire to retire,” he previously said, adding that he remains committed to touring in a reduced capacity while managing his health.