Rod Stewart, the legendary British rocker, turned heads alongside his wife Penny Lancaster at the glitzy UK premiere of EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The event, held at London’s BFI IMAX cinema in Waterloo, drew a constellation of stars eager to celebrate the enduring legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. But it was Stewart’s cheeky homage to Elvis—and his unmistakable flair for style—that had fans and photographers buzzing.
Stewart, now 81, arrived in what can only be described as a masterclass in retro cool. He sported a black-and-white polka dot shirt, black-and-white checked trousers, a black waistcoat, and a textured leather coat. Over his shoulders, he draped a black leather biker jacket, finishing the look with black and white penny loafers—a nod to classic rock and roll style with a distinctly Stewart twist. Penny Lancaster, 54, complemented his look with effortless elegance, donning a black beaded dress, a smart single-breasted blazer, a leopard-print scarf, and striking gold and black cowboy boots. The couple, married since 2007, appeared in high spirits, beaming for the cameras and wrapping their arms around each other as they made their way down the red carpet.
According to Parade, Stewart couldn’t resist sharing the moment with his fans online. In a playful Instagram post, he wrote, “Elvis had it all! But I’m not doing too bad meself 🤩 great movie! @universalpicturesuk #epicmovie,” cheekily comparing himself to Presley while giving a nod to the documentary’s subject. The post quickly racked up praise from followers, who lauded Stewart’s youthful energy and sense of humor. “WOW! You look like you did 40 years ago!” one fan exclaimed, while another declared, “Elvis was the king, Rod is GOD.”
It wasn’t just Stewart and Lancaster stealing the spotlight. The premiere was a veritable who’s who of British entertainment. Actor Richard E. Grant, director Baz Luhrmann, actress Anita Dobson and her husband, Queen guitarist Brian May, musician Grace Chatto, comedian Frank Skinner (sporting an Elvis Presley T-shirt, no less), singer Lily Moore, model Sophie Longford, Diversity’s Starr Kiely, and sisters Olivia and Natasha Arben all graced the event. Each added their own flair to the evening, but it was Stewart who truly embraced the spirit of the occasion—at one point grabbing a microphone at the entrance and giving an impromptu performance for the delighted crowd, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The documentary itself, directed by the visionary Baz Luhrmann, promises to be a treat for Elvis fans and music historians alike. Set for release in cinemas across the UK and worldwide on February 27, it features never-before-seen footage and recordings from Presley’s legendary Las Vegas residency during the later years of his career. The film aims to immerse audiences in the electrifying energy of Elvis’s live performances—a period marked by both creative highs and personal challenges for the icon.
Elvis Presley’s influence on music and popular culture is hard to overstate. After bursting onto the scene in 1956 with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog,” Presley’s hip-shaking television performances ignited a global sensation. The former truck driver from Mississippi quickly became one of the world’s most recognizable stars, dominating not just the music charts but also film and the stages of Las Vegas. Even after his untimely death at age 42 on August 16, 1977, Presley’s legacy has only grown. He remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with hundreds of millions of records sold worldwide.
For Stewart, Presley’s impact is deeply personal. As Parade recounts, Stewart has long been vocal about his admiration for Elvis, crediting him as a trailblazer for generations of rock musicians. “Elvis was the king,” Stewart once 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 echoed across the music world. Bruce Springsteen, another titan of rock, described hearing “Hound Dog” for the first time as a transformative experience. “When I heard it, it just shot straight through to my brain,” Springsteen recalled, according to Far Out Magazine. “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 premiere was more than just a celebration of a documentary; it was a testament to the lasting power of musical icons and the way their influence ripples through generations. Stewart’s playful comparison to Presley struck a chord with fans not just because of the humor, but because it spoke to a shared reverence for the artists who shaped the soundtracks of our lives. The crowd’s reaction—both in person and online—suggested that, for many, the spirit of rock and roll is alive and well, embodied in the camaraderie of musicians and the devotion of their fans.
As the lights dimmed and the first frames of EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert flickered to life, attendees were reminded of the enduring appeal of Presley’s music and persona. The documentary’s release is poised to reignite appreciation for the King among longtime fans and newcomers alike. And if Stewart’s exuberant presence on the red carpet is any indication, the legacy of rock and roll’s greatest pioneers remains as vibrant as ever.
With the documentary set to hit cinemas later this month, anticipation is building—not just for a glimpse into Presley’s storied Las Vegas years, but for the chance to celebrate, once again, the artists who continue to inspire and connect generations. Stewart’s night out may have been a nod to the past, but it was also a lively reminder that the music—and the magic—goes on.