Rod Stewart was pictured in the stands celebrating Scotland’s first World Cup match in 28 years with his sons, just hours after disappointing fans by canceling a gig due to illness
Sir Rod Stewart celebrates in the stands after the FIFA World Cup Group C match at Boston Stadium, Foxborough.
(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Sir Rod Stewart was pictured celebrating Scotland’s World Cup win in the stands at Boston Stadium – just hours after canceling a gig due to illness.
On Saturday, the 81-year-old rocker told fans he was “disappointed” but too unwell to perform on stage for the latest leg of his One Last Time tour.
His team shared one more post Instagram on his behalf, announced the cancellation, which read: “Rod Stewart has very regrettably had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California. He traveled to the venue and made every effort to perform, but on the advice of his doctors and following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection resulting in laryngitis, he is unable to take the stage tonight.”
Hours later, the Maggie May hitmaker was spotted at Scotland’s first World Cup match at Boston Stadium, Foxborough as they took on Haiti.
Rod shared a video to Instagram revealing he had taken a private jet with his sons Alistair and Liam to get to the match.
“Here we are going to see Scotland in the World Cup. It’s been 28 years. And these kids, I’ve told them about it but they’ve never been,” said Rod.
“I’ve been to seven World Cups,” the singer added. “We want to go through to the next round and I’ll die a happy man. So keep it up Scotland!” he bellowed as his sons joined his shout.
The trio then began a chorus of: “No Scotland, no party!”
After sharing the post to Instagram, one fan replied: “Missed you last night in San Diego Rod – we hope you’re feeling better!!”
“Looks like he’s getting better,” another replied with a wink emoji.
After canceling his gig due to laryngitis, Rod had told fans he was ‘feeling better but his voice wasn’t.’
In his own statement, he shared, “I am very disappointed and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience to my fans. I did everything I could to make the show happen tonight, but unfortunately it just wasn’t possible. I will do my utmost to reschedule.” This was followed by a shot of standing on stage in the empty North Island Credit Union Amphitheater.
It was a different story later in the night when Rod joined thousands of fans – including Scotland First Minister John Swinney, actor Gerard Butler and singer Clare Grogan – for Scotland’s World Cup clash.
The Scots were pushed all the way as they held on to defeat the Caribbean nation – more than 40 places below them in world standings – 1-0 through a disallowed first-half goal from John McGinn.
It was Scotland’s first win at the global showpiece since a 2-1 win over Sweden at Italia 90 and their first at any major tournament since beating Switzerland 1-0 at Euro 96.
A goal from John McGinn secured the Scots their first World Cup win for 36 years and sent them top of a star-studded Group C.
Although Rod was born in London, his late father, Robert Stewart, was born in Leith, Edinburgh. The rock star considers Scotland his “spiritual home” and is incredibly proud of his Scottish roots. He has also been a fan of Celtic since around the age of 30, having met legendary manager Jock Stein. He has a seat for life at Parkhead and often flies on a private jet to watch their games.
Rod wasn’t the only one getting in the mood on Saturday. Susan Boyle shared a message of support for the national soccer team ahead of their first match at the World Cup, telling them: “You can do this.”
In a video shared Saturday, Boyle wore a fur coat before proudly revealing the national football team shirt and saying: “No Scotland no party.”
The BGT star captioned the video: “I had a dream! Scotland has a dream! You can do this!”
