Rod Stewart shared a video of himself aboard a private plane to watch the World Cup in Boston on June 14, just one day after abruptly canceling his show due to illness.
His team issued a statement June 13, telling fans in California that “following a diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis” the concert was called off.
The next day, the legendary singer shared an Instagram video alongside his adult sons, Liam, 31, and Alistair, 20, from his private plane.
“Me and the boys off to Boston to see our Scotland 🏴 in the World Cup!” he wrote in the caption. Stewart followed up with the words, “No Scotland no party.”
Cameras later captured an ecstatic Stewart in the stands, wildly throwing his arms in the air as Scotland triumphed over Haiti.
In the video, Stewart excitedly told fans, “Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup. It’s been 28 years so these kids, I’ve told them about it, but they’ve never been. I’ve been to seven World Cups.”
He went on to rhyme off all the places he’s traveled to take in the action.
The “no party” declaration in his caption wasn’t enough to ease the pain of disappointed fans.
One person commented on Stewart’s post to write that it was “hard to accept” that he was jet-setting to see a soccer game “less than 24 hours after thousands of people were sent home disappointed in San Diego.”
The frustrated fan continued, “Many traveled long distances, paid for hotels, parking, tickets, and took time off work to be there. Then to see you flying across the country for a soccer game the very next morning makes the situation feel even more tone deaf.”
“The cancellation was frustrating enough, but this comes across as incredibly dismissive of the fans who support your career. A little empathy and awareness would have gone a long way,” the internet user said.
Outrage as Rod Stewart seen drinking at Scotland game – after canceling CA show just 40 minutes before it began https://t.co/tpDtEoan0Y pic.twitter.com/b8y934xd5F
— New York Post (@nypost) June 14, 2026
Another fan wrote to Stewart to say “we traveled from Mexico City, purchased airline tickets, booked a hotel, rented a car, and rearranged our schedules in order to attend the concert.”
“The issue is not the cancellation itself, but rather the perception of indifference toward the sacrifice many of your fans made to support you.” he said.
He concluded his message by telling Stewart that he “built an extraordinary legacy thanks to the support and loyalty of your audience.”
Rod Stewart in hot water after attending World Cup game just hours after abruptly cancelling concert https://t.co/Lq6SWeBGsu
— NME (@NME) June 15, 2026
Another social media user scolded Stewart before turning is back on the star.
“I used to really like you, but when I say I lost a little respect, I mean a LOT of respect!” they said.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 08: Rod Stewart performs at Mortgage Matchup Center on June 08, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by John Medina/Getty Images)
Others defended the 81-year-old star with messages of support, and seemed fine with his decision.
“Get a grip people. I know it’s disappointing and frustrating when someone cancels a show but that doesn’t mean their life, especially with their family, also stops.” (RELATED: Morrissey Cancels Concert Due To Feeling Sleepy, Lets Down Fans)
In another show of support, another fan wrote, “He doesn’t have to sing to go watch a soccer game. He still can function and live, just unable to sing right now. It’s life.”
It’s unclear whether the supportive fans were ticket holders for the canceled show.