Rod Stewart Reflects on Glastonbury's 'Legends' Slot Ahead of Performance

Sir Rod Stewart, the iconic British rock musician, is preparing to take the stage at the Glastonbury Festival this weekend, where he will perform in the much-discussed 'legends' slot on the Pyramid stage. The 80-year-old artist 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?" His comments, made during an interview with BBC News, highlight the ongoing discussion surrounding artist scheduling at one of the world's most renowned music festivals.

Stewart, who is set to perform for an hour and a half, managed to negotiate an extension from the originally proposed 75 minutes. He stated, "Usually I do well over two hours, so there’s still a load of songs we won’t be able to do. But we’ve been working at it. I’m not gonna make any announcements between songs. I’ll do one number, shout ‘next’, and go straight into the next one." This approach underscores his commitment to delivering a high-energy performance, despite the constraints of the festival slot.

With a remarkable repertoire that spans decades, Sir Rod's illustrious career began in the 1960s, and he has since produced numerous hits, including classics like "Maggie May" and "Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?" His last performance at Glastonbury in 2002 was met with mixed initial reactions, but he ultimately captivated an audience of around 100,000 with his powerful setlist, leading to a memorable night of music.

Reflecting on his past performances, Stewart admitted to having little memory of his 2002 show, attributing it to the sheer number of concerts he has performed over the years. He reminisced about a particularly notable performance on New Year’s Eve in 1994 at Copacabana Beach in Brazil, where he faced personal challenges just before going on stage.

"I was violently sick about an hour before I was supposed to go on," he recalled, adding that he received medical assistance just in time to perform in front of over three million fans. This anecdote illustrates the often tumultuous nature of life as a touring musician, even for someone of his stature.

In a recent interview, Stewart showcased not only his charisma but also his enduring relevance in the music industry. Dressed casually yet stylishly, he discussed his family life, mentioning his eight children and his current wife, Penny Lancaster, whom he married in 2007. "Family is my priority now," he stated, emphasizing the joy he finds in his family life, which contrasts with the tumultuous relationships that marked his earlier years.

As Glastonbury approaches, Stewart is set to release his 20th greatest hits album, a milestone that he found hard to fathom. He expressed gratitude for his career, stating, "Oh, it’s tremendous. It’s a feeling that you’ve done what you set out to do." This sentiment resonates with many artists who reflect on their journey and legacy as they continue to create and perform.

The Glastonbury Festival, known for its diverse lineup and vibrant atmosphere, will serve as the backdrop for Stewart’s performance this Sunday. With expectations high for a show filled with classic hits and energetic performances, Sir Rod Stewart remains an enduring figure in rock music, proving that, despite his age, he is far from finished. As he put it, "I’ll be in good voice. I’ll enjoy myself. I don’t care anymore what the critics think. I’m there to entertain my people."