Rod Stewart, the gravel-voiced rock icon, began his career amidst the vibrant 1960s London scene, rubbing shoulders with legends like The Rolling Stones and The Who. As a young vocalist, he cut his teeth with the Jeff Beck Group and later the Faces, blending blues, rock, and soul into a raw, infectious sound. Hits like “Stay With Me” and “Ooh La La” with the Faces cemented his reputation as a charismatic frontman before his solo career skyrocketed with “Maggie May” in 1971. Now, at 80, Sir Rod is set to command Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in the Sunday afternoon “legends” slot, a testament to his enduring appeal.
This weekend, Stewart will bring his peerless songbook to Worthy Farm, though he’s less than thrilled with the slot’s nickname. “I just wish they wouldn’t call it the tea time slot,” he told the BBC. “That sounds like pipe and slippers, doesn’t it?” His playful defiance reflects the energy of a man who claims he can still run 100 meters in 19 seconds. To maximize his set, he’s negotiated an extended 90-minute performance, up from the initial 75 minutes, though he laments it’s still too short for his usual two-hour-plus shows. “I’m not gonna make any announcements between songs,” he said. “I’ll do one number, shout ‘next’, and go straight into the next one.”
Stewart’s Glastonbury appearance is a milestone, making him the first artist to have headlined the festival (in 2002) and now play the legends slot. His 2002 performance, though a blur to him, was a triumph. Despite initial skepticism from a crowd more attuned to The White Stripes and Coldplay, Stewart won over 100,000 fans with singalongs like “Sailing,” as noted in a BBC review. “I don’t remember a thing,” he admitted, laughing. “I do so many concerts, they all blend into one.”
His career spans decades and genres, from the folk-rock of “Maggie May” to the disco-infused “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and his later crooner phase with “Have I Told You Lately.” Affectionately nicknamed “Phyllis” by Elton John (who goes by “Sharon”), Stewart’s versatility and charm have kept him relevant. Beyond music, he’s embraced eclectic passions, from model train sets to writing a forthcoming book, showcasing a life lived fully.
At Glastonbury, expect a set packed with hits, delivered with the urgency of a man defying time. Stewart’s determination to cram in as many songs as possible reflects his commitment to fans, even if it means skipping banter. His physicality—still cavorting onstage at 80—and his vocal grit remain unmatched, a reminder of why he’s a rock royalty staple.
This performance also highlights Glastonbury’s evolving landscape. The legends slot, once a nostalgic nod, now carries prestige, with artists like Diana Ross and Lionel Richie gracing it in recent years. Stewart’s presence bridges the festival’s rock roots with its modern eclecticism, appealing to both longtime fans and younger audiences discovering his catalog.
As he prepares to take the stage, Stewart’s Glastonbury moment is poised to be a celebration of resilience, talent, and a career that began among rock’s elite. Whether he’s belting “Stay With Me” or swaying to “Sailing,” Sir Rod will likely leave Worthy Farm buzzing, proving that legends don’t just endure—they electrify.
Source: Mark Savage, “Rod Stewart on Glastonbury: ‘I wish they wouldn’t call it the tea time slot’,”
BBC News, June 24, 2025, BBC News Entertainment.
