Rod Stewart uses oxygen tank mid-concert after visibly struggling during live show

22 June 2026, 11:02

Sir Rod powers on through after taking a few puffs on stage.

Despite celebrating his 81st birthday, Rod Stewart has been an ever-present on the live stage in recent years, mixing up regular Las Vegas residency with global tours.

He's been forced to cancel the occasional concert to rest his voice, including a show in California earlier this month, but was back on stage at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City, Utah on Friday (June 19).

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Video footage obtained by TMZ shows the legendary singer songwriter visibly struggling physically during this performance.

Sir Rod is seen to hold himself steady on the drum screens, before eventually beckoning one of the stage team who grabs a colleague.

She brings on an oxygen tank and mask, and Sir Rod takes a few breaths, which allows him to steady himself and carry on the concert.

Rod Stewart Needs Oxygen Tank During Utah Concert, Video | TMZ

"The show must go on," Stewart told the crowd.

"I really nearly f**king fainted!" he said, before asking permission to sit down for the next number.

He did just that, teeing up his version of 'Love Train' by The O'Jays.

While Sir Rod has repeatedly ruled out retirement any time soon, he has on a number of occasions spoken about changing up his live performance schedule.

He has teased phasing out large scale rock 'n' roll touring and instead focusing on a different type of live show.

"I'd like to move onto a Great American Songbook, Swing Fever tour the year after next," he said in 2024. "Smaller venues and more intimacy."