Sunday afternoon at Worthy Farm brought a moment many glastonbury attendees had eagerly anticipated: Rod stewart in the festival’s hallowed “legends slot.” At 80 years young, the iconic singer proved exactly why he earned that billing, delivering a vibrant, hit-packed performance that transformed the Pyramid Stage into a dazzling spectacle, brimming with classic tunes and undeniable charm.
This appearance marked a unique milestone for Stewart, making him the first artist ever to have both headlined the festival’s main stage and subsequently returned for the coveted legend slot. It’s a testament to his enduring career and the deep connection his music holds with generations of fans.
A Dazzling Display on the Pyramid Stage
Stepping onto the stage bathed in the late afternoon sun, Stewart wasted no time establishing the atmosphere. Described by some as turning Glastonbury into a “Vegas nightclub,” the show was a masterclass in showmanship. Glittery suits, soaring saxophone solos, and a dynamic backing band created a lavish setting for his extensive catalogue.
Despite recently cancelling US shows due to illness, Stewart performed the full 90 minutes with remarkable gusto. His energy was infectious, spreading quickly through the massive crowd gathered before the Pyramid Stage. While time has added “cracks and crevices” to his famously gravelly voice, he skillfully navigated the melodies on ballads, finding new expressive ways to deliver familiar lyrics.
Stewart joins a distinguished list of artists who have graced the legend slot in recent years, including Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, and Cat Stevens. Each brings their unique brand of timeless appeal, but Stewart’s fusion of rock and roll swagger, folk sincerity, and pure pop entertainment offered a distinct flavor.
A Setlist Spanning Decades of Hits
The setlist itself was a goldmine for fans, pulling from every era of Stewart’s prolific career. It showcased the remarkable breadth of his musical journey, from his early roots with The Faces to his massive solo success.
Tracks like the new wave-tinged “Young Turks” sat comfortably alongside the beautiful folk storytelling of “Maggie May” and the soaring melody of “Sailing.” Fans were treated to staples like “Tonight’s the Night,” “First Cut is the Deepest,” “Baby Jane,” and “Forever Young.” The inclusion of “Stay With Me,” a classic from his time with The Faces, was a particular highlight, reminding the audience of the foundational band that helped shape his early sound alongside Ronnie Wood.
While the performance leaned into entertainment described as “well-matured cheese,” it was delivered with such sincerity and skill that it felt joyous rather than dated. As Stewart himself commented in a prior interview about preparing for such a major show, he was focused on enjoying himself and being “in good voice,” no longer caring what critics might think – a sentiment that resonated throughout the carefree performance.
Charm, Banter, and Touching Tributes
The show began with a nod to Stewart’s heritage, as he emerged to the sound of bagpipes playing “Scotland The Brave.” The audience, many sporting frightwigs and waving flags for his beloved Celtic football team, greeted him with enthusiastic cheers. Signs in the crowd added to the festive, slightly cheeky atmosphere, including one referencing a recent interview about Nigel Farage.
Stewart’s stage banter was reportedly “delightfully barmy.” Introducing “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” he humorously substituted the lyrics, shouting, “Here’s one from 1979… You guessed it: If You Want My Body, stick it up your bum.” Later, he offered a simple but heartfelt message before covering The O’Jays’ “Love Train,” redirecting attention from the Middle East conflict to highlight the need for peace in Ukraine. The audience responded not with political analysis, but with enthusiastic dancing.
A particularly poignant moment arrived when Stewart pulled out a scrap of paper for an “important announcement.” He wished Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis a happy 90th birthday. Eavis, brought onto the stage in a wheelchair by his daughter Emily, received a roaring ovation. Stewart hugged him warmly and dedicated the classic ballad “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” to Sir Michael, leading to a massive singalong from the crowd that visibly delighted the festival’s co-creator.
Star-Studded Appearances
The legendary status of the slot often attracts guest stars, and Rod Stewart’s set was no exception. The stage saw a quick succession of notable figures joining him for duets.
Mick Hucknall of Simply Red lent his soulful voice to “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” Former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood reunited with Stewart for a powerful rendition of “Stay With Me,” bringing a touch of rock and roll history to the stage. Finally, the legendary Lulu appeared, resplendent in a white tassled suit, to join Stewart for a lively take on “Hot Legs.” Lulu’s playful declaration that they’d “make a great couple” added another layer of spontaneous fun to the proceedings.
The set concluded with the mega-ballad “Sailing,” which famously took Stewart to number one in 1976. His backing singers donned sailor’s caps for the finale, reinforcing the lighthearted, themed entertainment that defined the performance.
The Essence of a Glastonbury Legend
Rod Stewart’s performance encapsulated the very essence of what makes the Glastonbury legend slot so special. It’s not just about current relevance or critical acclaim, but about an artist with a vast, beloved back catalogue who can command a massive crowd and deliver a show filled with energy, personality, and shared musical memories.
Synthesizing elements from his diverse career – from the blues-rock roots of The Faces era (as highlighted by the Mojo analysis) to his later pop and ballad success – Stewart crafted a set that appealed across generations. It was, as one reviewer noted, like a “diamond-encrusted cruise ship,” maybe a little over-the-top but ultimately navigating “smooth water” to provide immense enjoyment. His willingness to be silly, his genuine connection with the audience (including the heartfelt tribute to Michael Eavis), and the sheer volume of instantly recognizable hits created a truly memorable afternoon at Worthy Farm.
This performance served as a powerful reminder of Rod Stewart’s enduring appeal and his undeniable place in music history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during Rod Stewart’s legend slot at Glastonbury?
Rod Stewart performed a high-energy 90-minute set in the coveted Sunday afternoon “legends slot” at Glastonbury 2025. His show featured a hit-packed setlist spanning his career, flamboyant costumes, saxophone solos, and guest appearances by Ronnie Wood, Mick Hucknall, and Lulu. He also paid a special tribute to Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis, who joined him on stage. The performance was noted for its charismatic, old-school charm despite Stewart being 80 years old.
Who joined Rod Stewart on stage at Glastonbury 2025?
Rod Stewart was joined by several special guests during his Glastonbury legend slot performance. His former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood appeared for a rendition of “Stay With Me.” Mick Hucknall of Simply Red joined him for a duet of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” The iconic British singer Lulu also took the stage to perform “Hot Legs” with Stewart. Additionally, Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis made a brief appearance to accept a birthday tribute.
Why is the Glastonbury legend slot so special?
The Glastonbury legend slot, typically held on Sunday afternoon, is reserved for iconic artists with extensive, beloved back catalogues and significant cultural impact. It’s known for drawing enormous crowds and providing memorable, often nostalgic, performances. Playing this slot signifies an artist’s status as a music institution and offers a chance for them to celebrate their legacy with hundreds of thousands of fans at one of the world’s most famous festivals. Past performers include Kylie Minogue and Shania Twain.
