Sir Rod Stewart is gearing up for his triumphant return to the Glastonbury Festival next year, having secured the prestigious Legends slot on the Pyramid Stage. This performance will be extra special, marking 22 years since his last appearance at the iconic event, which takes place at Worthy Farm, Somerset.
Fans of the gravelly-voiced singer can expect more than just music; reports suggest Stewart plans to incorporate one of his cherished hobbies—model railways—into his Glastonbury experience. His close friend and fellow musician Jools Holland shared insights with The Daily Mirror, teasing the idea of Stewart bringing one of his model railway stations along for entertainment before the show. "He can't bring the whole set because it's enormous," Holland explained, noting how Stewart frequently travels with one of his stations on tour. "But whenever he's on tour, he'll have a station building which he will take with him to a hotel."
Add to the excitement, Holland mused about the possibility of Stewart creating a miniature railway themed around Glastonbury. "He could create his own little railway... a little ride-on thing... around the jazz tent and back to the Pyramid Stage," he speculated, triggering imaginations of what the setup might look like.
Stewart himself took to Instagram last month, announcing to fans, "I'm absolutely thrilled to announce... I'll be playing @glastofest 2025! 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 launched waves of excitement among his followers, eager to witness his performance—their messages filled with anticipation, with one fan expressing, "Going out on a HIGH in 2025," and another declaring, "I'll be in the front row."
Having headlined Glastonbury back in 2002 alongside notable acts like Coldplay and Stereophonics, Stewart’s return is making headlines. His time away hasn’t been without its challenges, as the rock legend has bravely battled health issues, overcoming prostate and thyroid cancer. Earlier this year, he hinted at altering his touring plans, stating, "This will be the end of large-scale world tours, but I have no desire to retire." Despite scaling back on grand tours, Stewart has reassured fans he will continue to perform live, expressing excitement for future intimate shows.
With his vibrant energy and storied career, the upcoming festival is poised to be unforgettable. Stewart hinted at more focused projects post-Glastonbury, including potential themes for upcoming performances, such as a "Great American Songbook" tour or the whimsical "Swing Fever tour" slated for 2026. Yet, he playfully kept everyone guessing, stating, "But then again, I may not..."
The anticipation surrounding Rod Stewart's Glastonbury performance swells as fans rally behind his return, not just for the music but for the charm of his unique railway plans. With the legendary singer preparing to combine his love for music and model railways, Glastonbury 2025 is shaping up to be not just another concert, but an eclectic celebration of art, creativity, and nostalgia.
Stewart's resolve to keep his passion for music alive and diversifying his performances brims with excitement, promising to delight longtime fans and new audiences alike. Even as he turns 80 soon, his vibrancy remains clear, proving age is just a number for this rock icon. At the intersection of music and model railways, the festival is set to serve as more than just another live show; it's going to be a memory etched in the hearts of fans.
