Rod Stewart Discusses Glastonbury's 'Legends' Slot Ahead of Performance

Rod Stewart, the iconic British rock star, is set to grace the stage of the Glastonbury Festival this weekend, performing in the coveted 'legends' slot on Sunday afternoon. In an interview with BBC News, Stewart, now 80 years old, expressed his mixed feelings about the billing, stating, 'I just wish they wouldn’t call it the tea time slot. That sounds like pipe and slippers, doesn’t it?' Despite his reservations, Stewart has secured an extended performance time of an hour and a half, up from the original 75 minutes offered by the festival organizers.

Stewart’s illustrious career spans over five decades, marked by hits such as 'Maggie May,' 'Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,' and 'Have I Told You Lately.' His last performance at Glastonbury was in 2002, where he initially faced skepticism from the audience, but ultimately won them over with a powerful setlist that included crowd-pleasers like 'Sailing.' Reflecting on that night, Stewart admitted, 'I don’t remember a thing.'

The singer, who has been a household name since the 1960s, will be showcasing songs from his extensive catalog, which includes over 60 hit singles and seven UK number ones. He revealed that he plans to maximize the performance by transitioning quickly between songs without lengthy announcements.

In addition to his musical achievements, Stewart is also known for his remarkable physical fitness; he humorously claimed, 'Did you know I can run 100 meters in 19 seconds?' His dedication to fitness is partly attributed to his lifelong passion for football.

The Glastonbury Festival holds significant cultural importance, attracting over 210,000 attendees annually and featuring a diverse array of performers. According to Michael Eavis, the festival's founder, 'Glastonbury is a space for celebration, creativity, and community.' Stewart’s appearance is expected to draw a large crowd, further solidifying his status as a rock legend.

Looking back on his career, Stewart expressed a sense of fulfillment: 'It’s tremendous. It’s a feeling that you’ve done what you set out to do.' He is also preparing to release his 20th greatest hits album, which coincides with his Glastonbury performance. As he prepares to take the stage, Stewart remains focused on entertaining his fans, stating, 'I don’t care anymore what the critics think. I’m there to entertain my people.' With a legacy that spans generations, Stewart is poised to deliver a memorable performance at one of the world's most renowned music festivals.