Rod Stewart Bails On Performing In Saudi Arabia: Here's Why

Sir Rod Stewart is still one of the biggest music stars to date, and it is no wonder why he would get some very lucrative offers to perform in exclusive events.

Recently, he was offered to perform at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but he reportedly turned it down because of an important reason.

Rod Stewart Turned Down Saudi Arabia Concert

In a post shared on Instagram, Rod Stewart revealed why he had to bail in his Saudi Arabia concert.

"I'm grateful that I have a choice whether or not to perform in Saudi Arabia. So many citizens there have extremely limited choices - women, the LGBTQ community, the press," he said in a statement. "I'd like my choice not to go... to shine a light on the injustices there and ignite positive change."

As of this writing, the price of how much Rod Steward was offered to play in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not yet been disclosed. Meanwhile, a source revealed to Billboard seemed to hint that it was a huge amount.

"Sir Rod Stewart has once again turned down one of the most lucrative concert offers of his career to perform in Saudi Arabia. Citing his 'moral compass in making the decision,' Stewart chose to refuse the offer over the kingdom's long history of human rights abuses, including discrimination against women and LGBTQ+ people, and of silencing its critics."

Actually, this wasn't the first time that Stewart had declined an opportunity to perform in the Middle East or countries riddled with abuses. In fact, in 2022, he also declined to perform in Qatar, despite being offered more than $1 million dollars. Qatar is also known for having human rights and labor abuses, as well as LGBTQ and women discrimination and harassment.

Meanwhile, the same source revealed that the offer was "one of the most lucrative of Stewart's career, though not the biggest he has received."

Middle East and Singers

Sir Rod Stewart wasn't the only artist who skipped performing in Saudi Arabia. Nicki Minaj also pulled out of the Jeddah World Festival in Saudi Arabia, in support of the LGBTQ movement.

Earlier this year, Beyonce was heavily criticized for performing in Dubai for a $24 million paycheck. In 2021, Justin Bieber was urged to cancel his show but proceeded anyway. (via Stereogum)

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Rod Stewart