Rod Stewart performance at A Day on the Green cancelled

Rod Stewart have addressed his fans after a hundreds were left devastated over a last-minute cancellation.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: Rod Stewart performs at Rod Laver Arena on March 14, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/WireImage)

An “absolutely downhearted” Rod Stewart has explained why he cancelled his performance yesterday in Victoria.

Fans of Stewart, and fellow music legends Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens, were left devastated after the trio’s long-awaited performance was called off at the eleventh hour.

The sad announcement was made just after midday on Saturday, revealing their appearance at A Day on the Green festival at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong, Victoria, had been cancelled “due to illness”.

Stewart later posted to his Instagram, “Hello, my friends. I’m absolutely downhearted that I’m disappointing my fans who bought tickets to A Day on the Green.

“Late this morning I was advised that I have a viral infection and my throat is too irritated to sing. I’m only human and sometimes get sick just like you do.

“My greatest joy is performing for you, so I’m doing everyting I can to get on the mend and back on stage!”

Yesterday, the promoters posted an online statement confirming the show would not go ahead. It said, “Live Nation and Roundhouse Entertainment regret to announce that tonight’s performance, Saturday 18 March 2023, by Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens at Mt. Duneed Estate, Geelong will not go ahead, due to illness.”

Booking website Ticketmaster apologised for the cancellation and asked fans for patience as further details were announced regarding the show.

Rod Stewart’s performance on Saturday was cancelled due to illness. Picture: Sam Tabone/WireImage

“We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience to ticket holders. A further announcement regarding the concert arrangements will be made early next week,” it said.

Ticket holders were told to stand by and await for news in the coming days and to hold onto their tickets in the meantime.

“We will contact you again with further instructions once we have an update from the promoters,” the company said.

Fans were devastated about the cancellation, many who had been looking forward to seeing the trio perform for years.

Upset ticket holders were also upset the performance was cancelled only a few hours before they were due to take the stage at 4pm, with some saying they had travelled lengthy distances specifically for the show.

💔 pic.twitter.com/7TvgOsZCir

— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) March 18, 2023

“[A] text this morning would have been nice before we travelled down from Melbourne,” one person replied in a comment to a social media post from A Day on the Green.

“Why hasn’t Ticketmaster emailed to let people know? This is so frustrating I’m devastated,” another wrote.

“Flew from Hobart to see Rod, how will we be able to come back over now? Devo! We bought these tickets for my mum as a present as it’s her dream,” someone else said.

Others highlighted the huge expense they had spared hoping to see the performance.

“Hope their insurance covers our accommodation and day off work. No email notification to ticket holders. Ended up receiving an email at 1.52pm, 63 minutes before the bus was due to collect us from [the] hotel,” one wrote.

“Why haven’t I received any notification? Facebook isn’t good enough, I’m already in Geelong. Drove from Melbourne this morning and paid $400 for accommodation,” another added.

Originally published as Rod Stewart performance at A Day on the Green cancelled