Rod Stewart, the legendary rocker known for his distinctive raspy voice and flamboyant style, is set to return to the prestigious Glastonbury Festival as part of its legends slot for the 2025 edition. This notable appearance marks Stewart's first performance at the festival since he headlined it back in 2002 along with bands like Coldplay and Stereophonics.
The announcement by festival organizers came on Tuesday, igniting excitement among music fans. Stewart, now 79, took to social media to express his enthusiasm about the opportunity. He stated, "I’m absolutely thrilled to announce I’ll be playing @glastofest2025! 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. I’ll see you there!" This enthusiastic declaration shows Stewart's unabated passion for performing, even as he approaches his 80th birthday.
Stewart’s performance will occur during the festival’s coveted Sunday teatime legends slot, traditionally known for drawing large crowds. The festival is scheduled to take place from June 25 to 29, 2025, at Worthy Farm, located in Somerset, England. Over the years, this specific slot has been graced by renowned artists such as Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, and Shania Twain, all of whom have left their mark on the iconic stage. Stewart's addition to this prestigious lineup confirms his status as one of the celebrated figures of the music world, continuing the legacy established by his contemporaries.
Back when Stewart last performed at Glastonbury, he remembered the event fondly, highlighting the unique atmosphere of the festival. "You've had some wonderful press all over the country because everything's been so well-behaved and orderly," he remarked during the 2002 set. His show then was met with some skepticism initially, but crowd favorites like "Maggie May" and "Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?" soon turned the tide, allowing him to win over attendees. His glowing stage presence and showmanship ensured he was embraced by the Glastonbury audience, solidifying his place within the festival's history.
Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis expressed her enthusiasm as well, stating, "Bringing Sir Rod Stewart back for the Sunday afternoon slot on the Pyramid stage is everything we could wish for. What a way to bow out with the final legends slot before we take a fallow year." Following the 2025 festival, Glastonbury will take a break for one year to allow the farmland to rest – a practice the festival has observed periodically throughout its history.
Stewart's impressive career spans six decades, making him one of the most iconic male solo artists of all time. He first gained acclaim fronting the Jeff Beck Group and later with The Faces, before launching his solo career filled with chart-topping hits like "Sailing," "Tonight’s the Night," and "Reason to Believe." Recently, he announced his intent to stop pursuing large-scale world tours, but clarified, "I have no desire to retire. I love what I do, and I do what I love." This highlights Stewart’s commitment to continue performing, albeit on smaller scales, focusing on more intimate venues.
By the time he steps onto the Glastonbury stage once again, Stewart will officially turn 80, joining the ranks of other seasoned performers who have graced the festival at advanced ages. Notably, Paul McCartney played at Glastonbury shortly after his 80th birthday, and the late Burt Bacharach set the record as the oldest performer at 87 when he took the stage back in 2015.
Stewart's return to Glastonbury also adds excitement to his 2025 touring plans. He is set to kick off the "One Last Time" tour across North America shortly before the festival, embarking on 20 shows starting from Austin, Texas, and wrapping up in St. Louis. Fans are eager to see how Stewart will blend his iconic charm and rich history with the high-energy environment of Glastonbury, and many are already vying for tickets.
Interestingly, the legends slot is often seen as not only a prestigious honor but also as pivotal for artists aiming to connect with both die-hard fans and new generations. The Glastonbury festival has established itself as more than just another music festival; it's become known for eclectic performances from artists of various genres, making it a melting pot of musical culture. The festival now boasts attendance numbers exceeding 200,000, indicating the massive draw it has become.
Next June, not only will Stewart entertain onlookers with his classic repertoire but he's also expected to share insights from his richly storied career – which may include anecdotes from his earlier years and lessons learned from decades spent under the spotlight. The musician has long cultivated a fanbase drawn to his authenticity and charm, with many eager to witness his performances live.
While the festival’s lineup is still being formed, rumors about fellow performers like Sam Fender, Olivia Rodrigo, and Stevie Wonder have begun circulating, yet Stewart remains the first confirmed act for what promises to be another unforgettable year at Glastonbury. With tickets already having sold out, many fans are hopeful opportunities for resale tickets will bring them back to Worthy Farm next summer to witness Stewart headline what might be one of his final major performances. The excitement for 2025 builds as Stewart prepares to take fans on yet another exhilarating ride through his classic catalog.
Stewart's fans, both longtime and newfound, eagerly anticipate his performance at this illustrious festival, hoping for renditions of fan-favorites. The legacy of his music, paired with his undeniable presence, sets the stage for what could be one of the highlights of next year's Glastonbury. For many, July 2025 doesn't just mark Stewart's performance; it signals the return of rock’s enduring spirit, inspiring generations to fall back in love with the music of their youth.
