Rod Stewart Steals the Show at Glastonbury’s Legends Slot
Forget the usual nostalgia act — Rod Stewart proved he’s anything but a museum piece during his show-stopping Glastonbury Legends Slot on June 29, 2025. Clocking in at 80, Stewart didn’t just relive old glories; he cranked up the energy and punched out classic after classic on the Pyramid Stage. 'Maggie May' had the field instantly buzzing, and you could barely hear Stewart over the crowd belting out 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?' and 'Sailing.' It felt more like a party than a festival performance, with everyone from teens to folks who remember Stewart’s chart-topping days shouting every word.
The real magic came in the guest appearances. When Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood swaggered onto the stage for 'Stay With Me,' it was a full-circle moment that had longtime fans roaring. But Stewart wasn’t done — Mick Hucknall of Simply Red fame rolled in for a soulful take on 'If You Don't Know Me By Now,' while Scottish pop legend Lulu eventually joined for a fiery 'Hot Legs.' Stewart being Stewart, there was a little comedy in the mix too: he managed to summon Lulu to the stage a bit too early, only for her to dramatically reappear later at the perfect moment. Nobody seemed to mind — if anything, it made the night even more memorable.
As the show rolled on, Stewart found time to get a bit political. Before launching into 'The Love Train,' he highlighted the ongoing war in Ukraine, directing part of his set as a tribute to the country and drawing attention to “what’s going on in the Middle East” while reminding everyone not to forget Ukraine’s struggle. These moments didn’t feel forced — just a rock legend wanting to use his spotlight for something bigger.
Big Crowds, Big Statements, and a Touch of Controversy
If anyone thought controversy might shrink Stewart’s crowd, Glastonbury set them straight. Just days before the festival, he caught flak for loudly backing Reform UK’s Nigel Farage. Critics tried stirring the pot, but on festival day, the field looked packed enough to rival Elton John’s record-setting run in 2023. Stewart clearly has the clout — not just musically, but on the ground in Worthy Farm.
At one point, festival founder Michael Eavis — still going strong at 89 — stepped out for a hug and a wave with Stewart in front of the sea of fans. The moment turned sentimental, showing the genuine warmth between two British icons who've seen it all.
And Stewart didn’t seem bothered by little details like a strict time limit. Originally booked for 75 minutes, he played right past curfew, using his pull to stretch the set to a full 90 minutes. No one complained — especially not when those final chords of 'Sailing' rolled over the hills, with thousands of voices drowning out even the sound system. Sometimes it really is about the music, and when it comes to Glastonbury’s Legends Slot, Rod Stewart just set a new gold standard.
