"Downhearted": Rod Stewart reveals sad reason for cancellation
Fans of Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens were left devastated after the trio’s highly anticipated performance was cancelled hours before they were due to take the stage.
The sad announcement was made just after midday, with the trio set to perform at 4 pm at A Day on the Green festival in Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong, Victoria.
Stewart took to Instagram to share his heartfelt apology, “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 everything I can to get on the mend and back on stage!”
On Saturday, the promoters of the event posted an online statement confirming that the show was cancelled. The statement read: “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.”
Ticketmaster also apologised for the cancellation and to hold on to their tickets while they wait for further updates regarding the show.
Hundreds of fans have shared their disappointment, with some saying they had travelled just for the show.
“Would’ve been good to receive an email/text and not have to find out from a random in a cafe. Booked a weekend away for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday which is today, we’re beyond devastated,” one person commented in an Instagram post from A Day on the Green.
“A text or email would have been lovely, we just arrived after driving 5 hours and our notification was the sign out the front. This was my partner's dads Christmas present,” commented another.
Others have expressed their sympathy in response to the statement shared by Stewart.
“It's all good Sir Rod.. Take care of your people first.. The rest can be sorted out afterwards…” wrote one user.
“I hope it's nothing too serious. Sending hugs. 💜” shared another fan.
“Hope you feel better soon. Must have been an awful decision to make to cancel at such short notice,” wrote a third.
Image: Oscar Gonzalez/Getty Images