SIR Rod Stewart has been forced to cancel a gig just hours before he was due on stage.

The much-loved rocker, 81, shared an emotional statement, where he revealed he was too unwell to perform, leaving his fans concerned for the legend.

Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter

Thank you!

Sir Rod Stewart has cancelled his latest gig due to being ill Credit: Getty

The star took to Instagram to share he had to cancel his gig Credit: Instagram

The Scottish icon, who has had both prostate and thyroid cancer, was due to perform in California as part of the American leg of his One Last Time tour.

However, with just hours to go, he has revealed he has been forced to cancel the show.

In a statement posted on Instagram on the singer’s behalf, his team penned: “Rod Stewart very regretfully has had to cancel his show tonight in Chula Vista, California.

“He travelled 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 that has resulted in laryngitis, he is unable to take to the stage this evening.”

The singer has been thrilling fans for many decades – seen here in the 70s Credit: Getty

Rod with his stunning wife Penny Lancaster Credit: Getty

Sir Rod, who is happily married to wife Penny Lancaster, 55, later shared a snap of himself on stage and wrote: “Well here I am in beautiful Chula Vista as the stage is being taken down around me. Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not.

“I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any 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.”

Rod will next take to the stage at the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado on June 15.

Meanwhile, the legendary star previously told The Sun about his plans for the future.

Sir Rod previously told us he plans to keep on performing Credit: Getty

Rod with rocker pal Ronnie Wood in 1973 Credit: Rex

“I am in embarrassingly wonderful health and enjoying life to the full. I am not dying, as far as I know,” he said last year.

Rod also told The Sun he’ll make full use of the “final 15 years” of his life and party into his 90s.

The dad-of-eight said: “I’m aware my days are numbered but I’ve got no fear.

“We have all got to pass on at some point, so we are all in the same basket.

“I am going to be enjoying myself for these last few years as much as I can.

“I say few — probably another 15. I can do that easy mate, easy.”

Rod also insisted he still “goes mad” on the booze after each show, encouraging his dancers and ­musicians to knock it back.

Rod added: “I’m not like I was in the ’70s and ’80s and I can’t stay up all night, get drunk and go mad and still have a voice just like that.

“Nowadays I have to protect my voice before and after every show.

“The older you get, the more you have to do that. Water has a hell of a lot to do with it. But no, you think I just have water on my rider?

“You’re talking to Rod Stewart here, mate. We go mad after every show. There are 13 of us, six women, really great musicians and I make them drink. We absolutely love it.”