Today : Jan 23, 2025
Arts & Culture
23 January 2025

Rod Stewart Celebrates 80th Birthday With Fans And Friends

The iconic musician marks his milestone with memorable events and upcoming performances.

Sir Rod Stewart, the iconic British musician, recently celebrated his 80th birthday, marking the occasion surrounded by family and friends at lavish gatherings full of laughter and music. The celebration, organized by his wife, Penny Lancaster, took place at Mount Street restaurant in London, featuring fellow musician and friend Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones among the attendees.

Rod, who turned 80 on January 10, was spotted sporting a vibrant green "Birthday Bhoy" badge on his elaborate black jacket adorned with gold floral detailing during the festivities. Wood, who shared moments from the celebration on his Instagram, expressed his joy, writing, "Really fun night celebrating Rod’s 80th!" His wife, Sally Wood, echoed this sentiment, praising Lancaster's efforts to keep the dinner surprise, stating, "Thank you @penny.lancaster for being the best surprise party organiser ever, we love you both." The intimate gathering included laughter, music nostalgia, and heartfelt toasts to Stewart's impressive career.

Following his birthday celebration, Stewart was seen cheering on Celtic FC, his beloved Scottish football team, at their Champions League match against Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22. Accompanied by his son Alastair, the legendary singer was all smiles, donning a plush furry coat and clearly engrossed with the match atmosphere. Despite Celtic winning 1-0, the match was filled with drama, as it saw three goals by Kyogo Furuhashi disallowed and Arne Engles missing a penalty.

With the excitement of the birthday celebrations still fresh, Stewart announced his participation at the Glastonbury Festival scheduled for June 29, 2025. After many years, he expressed his thrill about performing at the legendary festival's Pyramid Stage, stating, "I’m absolutely thrilled to announce... I’ll see you there!" He continued, "After all these years, I’m proud and ready and more than able to take the stage again to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury in June." This announcement signifies his continued commitment to music, even as he plans to scale back on global tours.

Stewart, with his remarkable career spanning over six decades, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, boasting numerous hits like "Maggie May," "Sailing," and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" His contribution to music is celebrated by fans old and new, with 11 No. 1 albums and decades of sold-out performances. Recently, he made headlines for selling the rights to his extensive song catalogue to Iconic Artists Group for nearly $100 million (£79 million), solidifying his legacy as not only a remarkably talented musician but also a savvy businessman.

The essence of Stewart's 80th birthday celebration lies not only in the sheer joy of the occasion but also in the reflective nature of his achievements. From his humble beginnings as a street performer to his status as one of the world's most recognized entertainers, his history resonates with music lovers everywhere. Friends like Wood and his devoted fans are timeless mirrors of his influence, sharing memories of performances and celebrating his incredible musical festival legacy.

Stewart’s spirit, having excited audiences through the decades, seems undiminished as he approaches this new chapter of his life. With more music shows lined up and the Glastonbury performance looming, the rock star shows no signs of slowing down. Every step he takes affirms his dedication, readiness, and passion for live music and the fans who adore him.

Rod Stewart’s 80th birthday with its heartfelt moments and dynamic public appearances reflect not just celebration, but also the continuity of his significant presence both on and off the stage. His life continues to inspire and uplift, proving age is just another milestone to embrace and innovate.