Sir Rod Stewart is locked in a years-long struggle with potholes, and he’s not going to let it slide – or drive – over the issue any time soon. The iconic singer, known for hits like "Maggie Mae," recently made headlines when he revealed he might have to part ways with his luxurious sports cars due to the persistent pothole dilemma surrounding his home in Harlow, Essex, which has been driving him, quite literally, nuts.
Sharing his frustrations on Instagram, accompanied by images of his stunning collection of supercars, Stewart lamented, “I am extremely fortunate and eternally grateful to be the owner of these five beautiful hybrid sports cars, which, in my opinion, are true 'works of art.'” He continued, “Unfortunately, because of the potholes on our roads, I may have to find new owners for them.”
Now, one might think it’s a bit of an overreaction, right? But it's not the first time the 79-year-old musician has expressed his discontent with the state of Britain's roads. Back in 2022, he famously took matters – and tools –into his own hands when he decided to tackle the potholes himself after venting his frustration over the lack of action from local authorities. Armed with a shovel, wearing high-visibility gear, he and his friends set out to fix the potholes themselves. “I’m repairing the streets where I live. No one will bother to do it,” he declared on video, showcasing his determination.
The problem is widespread; the Asphalt Industry Alliance notes 17% of roads in England and Wales are currently described as being in poor condition. Increasing costs, alongside rising inflation, have left councils grappling financially, making it difficult to keep up with repairs. If you’re driving around, this can be more than just inconvenient; potholes can lead to significant vehicle damage and even dangerous accidents.
Sir Rod’s dedication to this somewhat mundane yet pressing issue has surprisingly connected him with the everyday struggles of drivers across the UK. He’s not alone; there's been chatter online – with some users on platforms like Reddit expressing similar grievances about potholes, calling them "the bane of everyday travel.” One commenter quipped about their territory, explaining how riding their bike on local roads felt akin to cycling through a developing nation.
Stewart’s voice can reach far more than just the music charts. The fact he’s willing to sell off his prized cars – he owns multiple Ferraris, including the LaFerrari and the SF90, along with Lamborghinis – reveals just how deep his frustration runs. "I've been driving these iconic Italian cars since the '70s, and I absolutely love and adore them. This post is for my fans – thank you, as you are the sole reason I own them," he expressed on social media. It’s as if he’s saying, “Look, even I can’t handle the roads anymore.”
And it’s not just the elite who are noticing; the potholes seem to be creating common ground. Other drivers – some might be casual car owners, others sports car enthusiasts – consistently express their irritation with the state of the roads. Imagine trying to maneuver multi-million dollar cars over cratered asphalt! Not exactly what you hoped for when you bought those rides, right? The RAC estimates there are over one million potholes across the UK each year, and with the endless rains and cold weather, the situation doesn’t seem to be getting any easier.
This isn't merely about Stewart's personal woes; it shines light on the broader problem impacting drivers everywhere, raising questions about government responsibility and public safety. Given the revenue generated by road taxes, many feel it's high time these roads reflect the investments made and warrant proper maintenance as part of public services.
While Sir Rod Stewart attempts to bring attention to this issue, he’s also preparing for his upcoming concerts. Fans can catch him live as part of his "One Last Time Tour," which makes its way to the Broadview Stage at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 15, 2025, alongside the notable opening act, Cheap Trick. Tickets for this highly anticipated show are expected to become available to the public on November 22, with pre-sales for SPAC members starting earlier on November 19.
Stewart’s career has been celebrated with numerous accolades, including two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions and recognition as one of the best-selling artists worldwide. With over 250 million records sold, he remains a prominent figure across generations. Yet, showing concern for road conditions is not the kind of action typically associated with glamorous rockstar behavior.
Stewart's endeavor to fill potholes, coupled with the apparent struggles of communicating these road issues to local councils, portrays a discontentment with the status quo. Alarmingly, many agree with the performer across online forums as users swap anecdotes about dodging holes and spending worries about their vehicle's wear and tear.
One has to wonder if the public’s sentiments reflect Stewart’s complaint about the neglected state of British roadways. Will the music legend’s passionate outcry ignite real change, pushing authorities to finally address the pothole epidemic? Time will tell, but Sir Rod Stewart’s battle against potholes has perfectly highlighted the everyday challenges faced by all drivers and stirred up conversations around public infrastructure.
Let’s hope the next stage of his career sees him not only belting out the classics but also advocating for improved roads. After all, it’s not just about the tunes. It’s also about ensuring all of his fans – and every Briton – can drive safely without dodging hazardous potholes. It’s high time to repave those roads, giving Sir Rod Stewart, along with many others, the ability to drive their prized supercars without worry.
