Sir Rod Stewart is set to captivate audiences at Glastonbury today, performing on the iconic Pyramid Stage during the festival’s highly anticipated teatime legend slot. The 80-year-old music icon will showcase his extensive catalog of hits, marking six decades in the music industry with a performance that promises to be both nostalgic and lively.
Despite a recent illness, Stewart remains undeterred, ready to deliver a selection of his greatest hits to both the live audience and viewers at home. With six number one singles and ten number one albums in the UK, his setlist is expected to be packed with fan favorites. However, the singer expressed some frustration over the limited time slot, stating, “It’s difficult because they only gave me an hour-and-a-quarter slot. So I begged them: can I do another 15 minutes?”
Performance Details and Special Guests
Sir Rod Stewart will grace the Pyramid Stage from 15:45 to 17:15, following performances by The Selecter, Celeste, and The Libertines. The evening will continue with Nile Rogers and Chic from 18:00 to 19:00, followed by Noah Kahan at 19:45. The day will conclude with Olivia Rodrigo’s headline act at 21:45, featuring hits like “deja vu,” “good for u,” and “traitor.”
Adding to the excitement, Stewart has confirmed that he will be joined by three special guests. Among them is his Faces bandmate and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. He also teased the appearance of Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall, humorously suggesting they might perform a comedic song before clarifying, “We are going to sing ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now.'” Scottish singer-songwriter Lulu is also expected to join the stage, making for a star-studded lineup.
Iconic Hits and Vocal Preparations
In anticipation of his Glastonbury set, Sir Rod has released his “Ultimate Hits” album, featuring each of his six number one singles. These iconic tracks include “Maggie May” (1971), “You Wear It Well” (1972), “Sailing” (1972), “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” (1975), “The First Cut Is the Deepest” (1976), “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (1978), and “Baby Jane” (1983).
Known for his meticulous vocal care routine, Stewart shared insights into how he maintains his voice, stating, “The vocal cords need a lot of looking after. I mean, they’re absolute gold. I warm up for an hour, warm down for half an hour. And when I feel I’m losing my voice, I go into what they call ‘voice rest’ and wear a little card around my neck that says ‘I can’t talk. Don’t talk to me.'”
Controversy and Audience Reaction
Despite the anticipation surrounding his performance, Stewart has faced backlash from some fans following his recent endorsement of Reform leader Nigel Farage. This political stance has sparked controversy, with some festival-goers and social media users expressing their disapproval.
“Do the right thing and boo Rod Stewart off the stage,” wrote one user on X, reflecting a sentiment shared by others who were displeased with his political alignment.
During a performance by Irish rappers Kneecap, the mention of Stewart’s name prompted boos from the audience, highlighting the divisive nature of his endorsement.
Reflections on the ‘Teatime Legend’ Slot
While Sir Rod Stewart is undeniably a music legend, he has expressed mixed feelings about the “teatime legend” label. In an interview with the BBC, he remarked, “I just wish they wouldn’t call it the tea time slot. That sounds like pipe and slippers, doesn’t it?”
As the festival unfolds, Stewart’s performance is poised to be a memorable highlight, blending timeless hits with the energy and charisma that have defined his career. Whether the audience responds with cheers or jeers, the show is set to be an unforgettable chapter in Glastonbury’s storied history.
