Rod Stewart scraps California performance following doctor's advice

Rod Stewart was forced to cancel a concert in California just hours before he was due to perform after becoming ill.

The 81-year-old singer was scheduled to perform at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista on Friday, June 12. However, he had to cancel the show after being diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and laryngitis.

Laryngitis is a condition that causes swelling of the voice box and vocal cords, often leading to a hoarse voice or loss of voice.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Stewart said he was unable to perform despite travelling to the venue and trying his best to make the show happen.

He later posted a photo of himself at the venue and told fans he was feeling better after treatment, but his voice had not recovered enough for him to sing.

Stewart apologised to fans for the cancellation and said he hopes to reschedule the concert.

According to the NHS, laryngitis can cause a hoarse voice, voice loss, sore throat, coughing, and frequent throat clearing. Symptoms usually improve within one to two weeks.

This is not the first recent health setback for Stewart. In May, he also cancelled two shows in Las Vegas after doctors ordered him to rest his voice while recovering from a sinus infection.

After taking time to recover, he returned to the stage on June 2.