Rod Stewart stops Utah concert to use oxygen tank onstage after nearly fainting

Rod Stewart was forced to pause his Utah concert after nearly fainting, using an oxygen tank onstage at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City on Friday night. The 81-year-old performed while leaning on instruments and stage barriers, with attendees later bringing out oxygen, after which Stewart took deep breaths and finished seated. The incident was tied to altitude concerns, as West Valley City sits about 4,300 feet above sea level. The episode followed weeks of health-related cancellations, including a June 12 San Diego show canceled less than an hour before kickoff time. Organizers initially cited a sinus infection, while Stewart later said he had an acute upper respiratory infection causing laryngitis. He also faced backlash after traveling to watch Scotland at a World Cup match in Boston the day after canceling San Diego, despite prior cancellations in Las Vegas for vocal rest. Stewart has said he does not plan to retire, only to end large-scale world tours.