Rod Stewart Uses Oxygen Briefly During Utah Concert Due to Altitude and Infection

Sir Rod Stewart required oxygen during a concert at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in Salt Lake City, GB News reported. The 81-year-old performer doubled over while singing "Young Turks" and appeared to struggle for breath before crew members supplied an oxygen tank and mask.

Penny Lancaster, Stewart's wife, said the episode stemmed from a lingering upper respiratory infection combined with the city's elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level.

She made the comments during an appearance on the Jeremy Vine Show. Stewart had previously been diagnosed with influenza, an upper respiratory infection and laryngitis, which prompted the cancellation and postponement of several earlier performances. Lancaster noted that oxygen is routinely kept backstage at high-altitude venues because even younger performers can need it.

After using the oxygen, Stewart told the audience, "The show must go on. " Stewart is next scheduled to perform in Wantagh, New York, at the end of July. Lancaster and Stewart met in 1999 and married in Italy in 2007; they have two sons, Alastair and Aiden.