Penny Lancaster breaks silence after husband Sir Rod Stewart forced to cancel tour following heart operation

The 81-year-old rock legend, who has been touring North America since 2024, will spend the next four weeks recuperating on the advice of his medical team before any return to live performance.

The procedure, which involves inserting a small wire tube to treat a narrowed or blocked coronary artery, brings to a halt a tour already beset by a troubling pattern of health-related cancellations throughout 2026, with the singer having scrapped or postponed multiple dates since May.

In a personal message shared on Instagram on Tuesday, Sir Rod sought to reassure his fanbase. “I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” he said. “I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.

“I’m deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon,” he added.

The Grammy Award winner, whose distinctive voice has powered hits such as Maggie May, Sailing and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?, has sold upwards of 250 million records across a career spanning more than six decades.

Following Sir Rod’s announcement, Ms Lancaster took to her own Instagram page with a sweet message for her other half.

Ms Lancaster shared a snap of the pair sharing a smooch. In a poignant move, she accompanied the photo with her hubby’s iconic track, You’re In My Heart.

Elsewhere, a statement from Sir Rod’s publicist provided further detail on the singer’s condition.

“Following further medical evaluation, Sir Rod Stewart has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure,” it read. “Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities.”

The statement continued: “On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage. Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.”

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INSTAGRAM/PENNY LANCASTER

Regarding ticket holders left in limbo by the announcement, his team added: “Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues.”

Among the concerts now shelved are a six-night residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, along with scheduled appearances in Iowa, Kansas City, Minnesota, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and several dates in Mexico.

The singer had been due to perform 11 concerts in the US in the coming weeks, with the tour originally running through to early September.

The wider cancellation followed two shows scrapped in quick succession this week.

His Sunday performance at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center was postponed at the eleventh hour, attributed to “an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention.”

His Tuesday night appearance at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena was then also called off after doctors advised at least 48 hours of rest.

This year has been plagued by fitness concerns for the veteran performer.

In May, he was forced to scrap two consecutive Las Vegas residency shows owing to a sinus infection, telling the Las Vegas Review-Journal: “My apologies to my family of fans. I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection.”

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Weeks later, his San Diego concert was axed less than an hour before showtime after he was diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection causing laryngitis.

He then drew criticism for being spotted cheering on Scotland at a World Cup fixture against Haiti in Boston shortly after that California cancellation.

The singer later conceded on TalkSPORT that the decision “wasn’t a good look.”

In June, further alarm was raised when an oxygen tank had to be brought onstage during a performance in West Valley City, Utah, after the singer nearly fainted mid-set.