Rod Stewart, the legendary rock star known for his raspy voice and timeless hits, had to make the tough decision to cancel his 200th Las Vegas residency show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
The show, which was set to be a major celebration of his decade-long run in Sin City, was called off just hours before the curtain was set to rise.
This left both fans and Rod feeling very disappointed.
Struck Down by Strep Throat
The reason behind the last-minute cancellation was a case of strep throat, a painful bacterial infection that can make even speaking difficult, let alone singing.
For someone like Rod, whose voice is his instrument, performing under those conditions was simply not possible.
In a heartfelt message to his 1.4 million Instagram followers, Rod expressed his regret, saying,
“I’m deeply sorry to miss this 200th show celebration. Most people can push through strep throat, but I just couldn’t. I’ve been looking forward to this concert for so long, and I’m absolutely gutted.”
Encore Performances Scheduled for 2025
While the sudden cancellation was a blow, Rod quickly reassured his fans that this wasn’t the end.
In a silver lining for those who missed out, he announced a return to Las Vegas in 2025 for a special series of encore performances.
These shows, scheduled for March 12-22 and May 29-June 8, will allow fans another opportunity to experience his legendary live performance at The Colosseum.
A Decade of Success in Las Vegas
Rod Stewart’s Las Vegas residency, “Rod Stewart: The Hits,” has been a staple at Caesars Palace since it premiered in 2011.
Over the past 13 years, Rod has entertained countless fans, consistently filling the venue to nearly full capacity with each show.
His ability to draw crowds and deliver unforgettable performances has made his residency one of the most successful in the city’s history.
Although he plans to wrap up his Las Vegas run in 2025, Rod hinted that he might not be stepping off the stage for good.
He’s already contemplating a short UK tour with his longtime friend and collaborator, Jools Holland, to promote their upcoming album, “Swing Fever,” set for release in 2024.
Embracing Life and Facing the Future
As Rod approaches his 80th birthday, he’s taking a reflective yet optimistic approach to the future.
Despite acknowledging that time is ticking, Rod remains upbeat about what lies ahead.
In a recent interview, he revealed that he’s not afraid of getting older and plans to make the most of his remaining years.
“I’m aware my days are numbered, but I’m not worried,” he shared candidly. “We’re all in the same boat. I’m going to enjoy these years to the fullest—probably another 15. I can do that, easy.“
Still Rocking and Rolling
Rod may be pushing 80, but he hasn’t lost his love for living life on the edge.
While he admits that he’s not the wild party animal he was in the ’70s and ’80s, he still knows how to have a good time.
After every show, Rod and his 13-member band, which includes six women, continue the tradition of celebrating in style.
“You think I just have water on my rider? Not a chance. We go all out after every performance,” Rod said with a grin. “We absolutely love it.”
A Renewed Focus on Health and Fitness
In recent years, Rod has become more conscious of his health, especially after battling prostate and thyroid cancer.
He’s committed to staying fit and active, working out three or four times a day to maintain his strength and stamina.
Rod credits his long-time personal trainer, whom he’s been working with for over 30 years, for helping him stay on track.
Despite his dedication to fitness, Rod insists that he doesn’t rely on medication, only taking the occasional anti-inflammatory when his knee bothers him.
A Milestone Birthday on the Horizon
Rod’s 80th birthday in January 2025 is expected to be a grand celebration, although the details are still being kept under wraps.
His wife, Penny Lancaster, is in charge of the planning, and she’s been tight-lipped about what’s in store.
However, Rod is certain that there will be a blowout party, with his eight children—ranging in age from 13 to 61—playing a significant role in the festivities.
Setting New Challenges and Goals
Never one to sit still, Rod is currently building a racing track at his Essex home. His goal? To break the 100m sprint record for his age group.
It’s clear that as he nears 80, Rod Stewart is still setting goals and chasing new challenges.
With his encore performances in Las Vegas and a potential UK tour on the horizon, Rod Stewart shows no signs of slowing down, proving that the rock ‘n’ roll spirit never fades.
Rod Stewart’s Timeless Hits
| Song Title | Album | Year Released | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Maggie May” | Every Picture Tells a Story | 1971 | Reached #1 on both UK and US charts; one of Rod’s signature songs. |
| “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” | Blondes Have More Fun | 1978 | Topped the charts in the US, UK, and several other countries; became a disco anthem. |
| “Forever Young” | Out of Order | 1988 | Popular in the US, symbolizing a message of enduring youth and hope. |
| “Sailing” | Atlantic Crossing | 1975 | Became a massive hit in the UK; known for its anthemic and emotional quality. |
| “You Wear It Well” | Never a Dull Moment | 1972 | Hit #1 in the UK; considered a follow-up success to “Maggie May.” |
| “Tonight’s the Night” | A Night on the Town | 1976 | Topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the US for eight weeks. |
| “Have I Told You Lately” | Vagabond Heart | 1993 | Won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male; became a wedding favorite. |
| “Rhythm of My Heart” | Vagabond Heart | 1991 | Charted in the top 10 in the UK and US; known for its patriotic undertones. |
| “The First Cut Is the Deepest” | A Night on the Town | 1976 | Became a top 20 hit in both the UK and US; a soulful rendition of a classic. |
| “Young Turks” | Tonight I’m Yours | 1981 | Peaked in the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100; noted for its new wave sound. |
Conclusion
- Rod Stewart’s decision to cancel his 200th Las Vegas show was undoubtedly a difficult one, especially given the significance of the milestone and the anticipation from his fans.
- However, his commitment to delivering top-quality performances, even at the age of 79, shows the depth of his dedication to his craft.
- While this setback was disappointing, Rod’s promise to return in 2025 for a series of encore performances offers hope and excitement for fans eager to see him back on stage.
- As Rod continues to live life with energy and a positive attitude, his legacy as a rock legend stays strong.
- Though this was a small setback, Rod’s love for music and his fans will keep him going for many more years.