Rod Stewart, the legendary British rocker, turned heads and sparked nostalgia as he stepped onto the red carpet with his wife, Penny Lancaster, at the U.K. premiere of the much-anticipated documentary EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert. The glitzy event, held on February 12, 2026, at the BFI IMAX cinema in London’s bustling Waterloo district, drew a constellation of stars and music lovers, all paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.
Stewart, now 81 but still every bit the showman, was impossible to miss in his retro-inspired ensemble. According to Parade, he sported a black-and-white polka dot shirt, checked trousers, a black waistcoat, and a textured black leather coat, finished off with classic black and white penny loafers. The look was both a nod to vintage cool and a statement of his own timeless style. Penny Lancaster, 54, matched his flair with a chic all-black outfit, golden cowboy boots, a black beaded dress, a tailored blazer, and a leopard-print scarf. The couple’s coordinated fashion choices drew as much attention as their clear affection for each other, with Stewart wrapping an arm around Lancaster as they posed for photographers.
The star-studded guest list didn’t stop there. The premiere was a veritable who’s who of British entertainment, with appearances by actor Richard E. Grant, director Baz Luhrmann (the visionary behind the documentary), actress Anita Dobson and her husband, Queen guitarist Brian May, musician Grace Chatto, comedian Frank Skinner (who proudly sported an Elvis Presley T-shirt), singer Lily Moore, model Sophie Longford, Diversity’s Starr Kiely, and sisters Olivia and Natasha Arben. Each attendee brought their own sense of style to the red carpet, but it was Stewart who stole the show when he grabbed a microphone at the entrance, delighting the crowd by showing off his vocal chops and posing up a storm for the cameras, as reported by Daily Mail.
The documentary itself promises to be a treat for Elvis fans and music historians alike. EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert features never-before-seen footage and recordings from Presley’s legendary Las Vegas residency, focusing on the later stages of his storied career. Directed by Luhrmann, whose signature flair for storytelling and spectacle is well known, the film is set for a wide release in cinemas across the U.K. and internationally on February 27, 2026. According to Daily Mail, the project aims to shed new light on Presley’s enduring appeal and the electrifying energy he brought to the stage, even as his life and career entered their final chapters.
Elvis Presley’s influence on the world of music is hard to overstate. Bursting onto the American scene in 1956 with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog,” Presley’s hip-shaking performances and charismatic presence caused a sensation that rippled around the globe. He quickly earned the title of the King of Rock and Roll, transforming from a humble truck driver into one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved entertainers. His impact extended beyond music, shaping fashion, film, and even the cultural landscape of entire generations. Presley’s reign was tragically cut short when he was found dead at his Graceland home on August 16, 1977, at just 42 years old. Yet, as Parade and Daily Mail both note, his legacy endures—he remains one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, with hundreds of millions of albums sold worldwide.
For Rod Stewart, the evening was more than just a glamorous night out—it was a heartfelt homage to an artist who shaped his own musical journey. Stewart took to Instagram following the premiere, sharing a playful post that both celebrated Presley and poked fun at himself. “Elvis had it all! But I’m not doing too bad meself 🤩 great movie! @universalpicturesuk #epicmovie,” he wrote, according to Parade. The lighthearted caption, paired with a photo of his stylish red carpet look, drew a flood of enthusiastic responses from fans. “WOW! You look like you did 40 years ago!” one follower gushed, while another chimed in, “Always a stylish bloke!” The good-natured banter continued with comments like, “Looking good, Sir Rod,” and even a cheeky, “Wake up, Elvis, I think I got something to sing to youuu…”
Stewart’s admiration for Presley is well documented. In past interviews, he’s credited Elvis as a guiding light for his own career. “Elvis was the king,” Stewart has said, as cited by Biography. “No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps.” This sentiment is shared by other music legends, too. Bruce Springsteen, for example, has spoken about the profound impact of Presley’s music on his own life. Recalling the first time he heard “Hound Dog,” Springsteen told Far Out Magazine, “When I heard it, it just shot straight through to my brain. I realized, suddenly, that there was more to life than what I’d been living. I was then in pursuit of something, and there’d been a vision laid out before me. You were dealing with the pure thrust, the pure energy of the music itself. I was so very young, but it still hit me like a thunderbolt.”
The buzz around the documentary and the star-studded premiere is a testament to Presley’s undiminished cultural power. Even nearly half a century after his death, Elvis continues to inspire devotion, debate, and celebration. The new film, with its rare glimpses into his Las Vegas years, offers both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to experience the King’s energy afresh. For Stewart and his generation, Presley was more than just an idol—he was a pioneer who charted the course that so many would follow. As the world gets ready for the documentary’s release, it’s clear that the King’s influence is as strong as ever.
With the red carpet rolled up and the cameras packed away, what remains is a vivid reminder of music’s power to unite, inspire, and endure. Stewart’s playful tribute, the dazzling premiere, and the promise of never-before-seen Elvis footage all speak to a legacy that refuses to fade, proving that some legends never truly leave the building.