Sir Rod Stewart has been forced to cancel a number of upcoming US shows as he continues to recover from the flu. The music legend is still expected to perform at Glastonbury later this month

British rock legend Sir Rod Stewart has been forced to scrap a series of US gigs due to flu, just weeks before his much-awaited appearance at Glastonbury. Scheduled to take the prestigious tea-time legends slot at the festival in Somerset on Sunday June 29, fans are eager for his performance.

But concern has grown over recent weeks due to the Maggie May singer cancelling a string of performances due to illness, the latest axed shows confirmed in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The star expressed his sorrow on Instagram, telling followers he was “devastated” to postpone six stateside concerts planned for the following eight days. It comes less than a week after Sir Rod, 80, had been forced to reschedule a previous show due to ill health.

“I have to cancel and reschedule my next six concerts in June as I continue to recover from the flu,” Sir Rod shared, clearly disheartened. His heartfelt message continued with: “So sorry my friends.”

Sir Rod Stewart has cancelled more tour dates under doctors orders ( 
Image:
Getty Images for FIREAID)

Adding, “I’m devastated and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I’ll be back on stage and will see you soon.” He finished the note with “Sir Rod” alongside a heartbreak emoji.

Further to the announcement, he detailed the postponed gigs, including dates in Las Vegas and Stateline, Nevada, with the two California performances expected to get new dates.

“Oh no, I can’t believe this! I came all the way from Germany. All for nothing! Get well soon,” one gutted fan wrote in the comments underneath Sir Rod’s announcement.

“The main thing is you get better fans like myself understand,” another added, with a third writing: “Feel better soon but 2 cancelled concerts in Vegas within one year kind of hurts. ..it’s too expensive for flights & rooms for a third time, sadly. I’ll always remember the 4 times I did get to see you forever though.”

The 80-year-old rocker also whipped up excitement by revealing his upcoming Glastonbury gig will feature a reunion with Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood.

Other notable sets include Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage between 10.30pm and 11.45pm on Saturday, while rising rapper Doechii will headline the West Holts Stage between 10.15pm and 11.45pm on the same day.

On That Peter Crouch Podcast, Sir Rod lamented the brevity of his Pyramid Stage performance, pleading for a quarter-hour boost to his planned hour and fifteen minutes slot, citing his standard two-hour setlist.

Peering into the future, he has stated that he won’t hang up his mic in 2024 but declared his 2025 tours across Europe and North America would mark the end of epic world tours, hinting at more cosy venue shows thereafter.

Sir Rod’s most recognised solo hits include Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?, Every Beat Of My Heart, and Maggie May. Just last month, he was honoured with a distinguished lifetime achievement award at the American Music Awards (AMAs), presented by five of his children.