On a bright Sunday afternoon at Worthy Farm, Rod Stewart—now 80—took the coveted Legends slot at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, delivering a set that felt like an intergenerational pop concert exploded into nostalgic glory. Against a radiant Somerset sky, Stewart treated thousands to 90 glorious minutes of timeless classics, heartfelt moments, and surprise guest appearances, proving he’s still very much a master of his craft (reuters.com).
The setlist read like a greatest hits anthology: “Maggie May,” “I Don’t Want to Talk About It,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?”—all delivered with crisp vocals and earnest showmanship. Between tracks, Stewart quipped “next!” to keep energy high and fit in as many favorites as possible, a glimpse into his seasoned approach to crowd-pleasing (reuters.com).
Rock Royalty and Soulful Surprises
Three surprise guests elevated the performance to once-in-a-lifetime territory:
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Mick Hucknall, iconic voice of Simply Red, joined the fun on a spirited rendition of “If You Don’t Know Me by Now.” Their voices blended in a nostalgic yet fresh take on the 1989 timeless soul hit (people.com).
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Ronnie Wood, Stewart’s former Faces bandmate and longtime Rolling Stones guitarist, appeared for a spirited take on “Stay With Me,” invoking that touching early-‘70s rock chemistry (people.com). A backstage video shared by Wood captured their warm rapport moments before hitting the stage (independent.co.uk).
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Lulu, Scotland’s pop powerhouse, brought playful energy with Stewart for “Hot Legs,” completing a trio of guest spots that spanned genres and eras (people.com).
Michael Eavis’s Cameo: Founder Joins the Fun
A stirring highlight unfolded when Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, now 89, was wheeled onstage, embraced by Stewart, and met with roaring applause. It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the festival’s heritage—a poignant nod to how far both Stewart and Glastonbury have come since their beginnings in the 1970s (kfgo.com).
Music and Message: A Blend of Pop and Purpose
Beyond nostalgia, Stewart infused his set with purpose. He opened with bagpipes, a nod to Scotland, and later delivered a moving performance of “Love Train”, dedicating it to support for Ukraine—a clear political gesture amid last day’s controversy around pro-Palestine performances (vg.no).
In crisp green attire—featuring Celtic motifs—Stewart made fashion and statement entwined. His holding of hands message, while joyous, felt tempered by recent festival tensions, blending celebration with subtle reflection (thescottishsun.co.uk).
Critics Weigh In: Glory vs. Gravitas
Reviews were mixed but generous. The Guardian praised Stewart’s showmanship and ability to connect through quieter songs, though it noted that the more energetic numbers relied heavily on audience participation . The Independent echoed the love for the legendary moments—yet wondered if all felt overly rehearsed, calling the set “the wringing out of the dregs of a career,” albeit one still glittering on stage (the-independent.com).
From hardcore fans to retrospective critics, the performance reaffirmed Stewart’s showbiz pedigree—even if some felt the magic lay more in the connections than the performance itself.
Career, Camaraderie, and What’s Next
Rod Stewart’s appearances at Glastonbury bookend a storied career: last performing in 2002 alongside Coldplay and Stereophonics (en.wikipedia.org). This year’s Legends slot, first confirmed in November 2024, was a long-awaited return for UK’s enduring showman (en.wikipedia.org).
Recent highlights leading into the festival included Stewart’s 80th birthday celebration with Ronnie Wood—hinting at more joint appearances and perhaps a Faces reunion (people.com). Drummer Kenney Jones even hinted there might be a new Faces album, the group’s first in 50 years—but nothing’s been confirmed yet (musicradar.com).
A Legacy Affirmed
A legend slot isn’t just headline billing—it’s a statement about influence, longevity, and cultural relevance. Stewart offered a masterclass in both entertainment and legacy—a journey through decades of music, personal evolution, and community.
The 90-minute journey started with playful confidence, wove in soulful homages, and ended with “Sailing,” turning the vast audience into a sea of swaying bodies. It was a finale both jubilant and tender, capping an afternoon of performance and newsworthy surprise.
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