At 80 years of age, Rod Stewart has more than earned the prerogative to perform as he pleases. If that means transforming Glastonbury into a vibrant, Vegas-esque nightclub for a solid 90 minutes, so be it.
The iconic performer took to the festival’s highly anticipated “legends slot” on Sunday afternoon, delivering a dazzling spectacle complete with shimmering suits, spirited saxophone solos, and a few notable special guests – including former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood.
Drawing from his extensive and illustrious back catalog, Stewart curated a setlist that was a veritable treasure trove of hits, seamlessly transitioning from the new wave synths of “Young Turks” to the timeless folk melodies of “Maggie May” and “Sailing.”
And while the performance occasionally leaned towards the realm of lighthearted entertainment, it was undeniably well-executed, much like Stewart himself.
Stewart’s entrance was heralded by the stirring sound of bagpipes playing “Scotland The Brave,” a fitting tribute to his Scottish heritage.
He was greeted by a throng of enthusiastic fans sporting fright wigs and waving the flag of his beloved football team, Celtic.
Others held aloft signs proclaiming “Rod’s a rascal” and “Does Nigel Farage think you’re sexy?” – a playful reference to a recent interview Stewart gave to The Times, where he suggested people should give the Reform leader “a chance.”
At 80, Stewart stands as one of the festival’s most seasoned performers, though not the absolute oldest.
Burt Bacharach graced the Pyramid stage in 2015 at the age of 87, while Paul McCartney headlined in 2022, just a week after celebrating his 80th birthday.
Other artists who have previously graced the “legends slot” include Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, and Cat Stevens.
In a recent BBC interview, Stewart discussed his preparations for a major performance like Glastonbury.
“It’s akin to being a footballer in the FA Cup Final. You tell yourself, ‘I’ll treat it like any other game,’ but it’s not [because] you simply don’t know what to expect.
“The key difference with a football match is that half the audience wants to see you lose, but with me, everyone wants to see me win.”
“So, I’ll be in good voice. I’ll enjoy myself. I don’t care any more what the critics think.”
Despite having canceled several shows in the US earlier in the month due to illness, the star delivered his 90-minute set with undeniable gusto, sweat visibly soaking the frilled white shirt he wore beneath a black and gold brocade jacket.
On ballads such as “Tonight’s the Night” and “First Cut is the Deepest,” he found fresh approaches to the melodies, skillfully navigating the slight imperfections that have developed in his famously gravelly voice.
And his stage banter was delightfully eccentric.
“Here’s one from 1979,” he announced at one point.
“You guessed it: If You Want My Body, stick it up your bum.”
(The song is actually called “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” but it’s his tune, so I guess he gets to decide.)
Later, he shared some nuanced political analysis.
“There’s been a lot about the Middle East recently, and quite rightly so, but I want to draw your attention to the Ukraine with this next song, it’s called the Love Train!” he declared.
The song, a cover of The O’Jays classic, is a plea for peace and tolerance that mentions Russia, China, Egypt, England and Israel.
It reflected the idealism of Stewart’s post-war rock and rollers, but the audience didn’t seem to mind the simplicity of the message. They just wanted to dance.
They got the chance during classics like “Baby Jane” and “Forever Young,” which even included a ceildh breakdown, courtesy of the star’s talented backing band.
After his third costume change, Stewart pulled a scrap of paper from his pocket for an “important announcement.”
Reading from the note, he wished a happy 90th birthday to Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis, whose daughter Emily pushed him onstage in a wheelchair.
Sir Michael waved to the crowd, eliciting a huge round of applause, and Stewart leaned in to give him a hug.
“Let’s dedicate this one to him,” he announced, striking up the opening chords to “I Don’t Want To Talk About It.”
When everyone joined in the chorus, Sir Michael looked delighted.
After that, guest stars arrived in quick succession. Mick Hucknall for a duet on “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” Ronnie Wood for “Stay With Me,” and Lulu for “Hot Legs.”
“You’re killing it,” declared Lulu, resplendent in a white tassled suit, leaning in for a hug. “We’d make a great couple.”
The set ended with “Sailing,” the mega-ballad that took Stewart to the top of the charts in 1976 – while his backing singers pulled on sailors’ caps.
It was charming, it was silly, it was immensely enjoyable.
If Stewart had taken this legend slot to sea, sure, it would have been a diamond-encrusted cruise ship.
But when the water’s this smooth, it has a beauty all of its own.
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