Rod Stewart set cut short ahead of Chester-le-Street gig

The singing sensation was playing to fans in Plymouth on Saturday (June 24) night when his gig was brought to an early ending, leaving many fans upset and disappointed.

He is due to play in Chester-le-Street, supported by Boy George and Culture Club, on Friday (June 30).

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Fans at Plymouth’s Home Park were enjoying what was believed to be the second last song of his set just after 10.30pm when the stage was plunged into darkness.

He was expected to end the gig with fan favourite Sailing, but before he could get to the song the gig came to a sudden end with some fans saying Rod ‘stormed off stage’.

The concert was reportedly due to end at 10.30pm and fans believed a curfew in place may have ended the concert early but the venue reportedly had permission to run events until 11pm.

Some on social media initially suggested Plymouth’s Lord Mayor Mark Shayer had called for the concert to be ended. He denied he was involved in ending the concert early, telling PlymouthLive, “I’m horrified to be implicated. To say I stopped Rod Stewart singing what is one of my favourite songs, on Armed Forces Day, it’s ridiculous. I’m livid.”

Plymouth City Council said: “Despite rumours and reports, Plymouth City Council and the venue did not ask Rod Stewart to finish early last night.”

He will play Chester-le-Street’s Seat Unique Riverside for one night only on Friday on his Global Hits tour.


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Speaking after the announcement Rod said: “My favourite memories have been summer nights with a beer or two alongside the best fans in the world.

“I’m impatiently awaiting this summer playing at a variety of special venues – football, cricket and rugby stadiums, estates, and castles. We’ll all be dancing under the stars.”

He follows in the footsteps of icon Diana Ross and Michael Bublé who both played the County Durham venue last summer.

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