Rod Stewart has made an emotional admission ahead of his Glastonbury return. The 80-year-old is due to take on the iconic 鈥渓egends鈥 slot at the festival this weekend.
The singer last performed at Glastonbury in 2002. But ahead of this year’s performance, Rod has shared that he has no memory of his previous set.
‘I don’t remember a thing’
Speaking to the BBC, Rod said: “I don’t remember a thing. I do so many concerts, they all blend into one.”
The 2002 performance was a major Glastonbury moment. It saw around 100,000 people sing ‘Sailing’ together. But Rod says the pressure and pace of touring has made many memories fade.
Non-stop schedule takes its toll
The confession highlights the toll a career in the spotlight can take. Rod has spent decades on the road, performing, recording and promoting his work.
He remains active, despite recently turning 80. But he has admitted that the emotional and physical demands of fame have caught up with him.
His most memorable show
One performance Rod does remember is from New Year鈥檚 Eve in 1994. The gig took place on Copacabana Beach in Brazil in front of more than three million people.
“I was violently sick about an hour before I was supposed to go on,” he revealed. “I didn鈥檛 think I was going to make it but luckily they got a doctor to sort me out.”
Honest reflection over coffee
Rod shared the stories while chatting to the BBC at the Devonshire pub in London. The singer said he is looking forward to his return to Glastonbury but has one issue with the slot.
“I just wish they wouldn鈥檛 call it the tea time slot,” he said. “That sounds like pipe and slippers, doesn鈥檛 it?”
Rod鈥檚 Glastonbury setlist plans
Rod also confirmed that he has been negotiating with organisers. He wants to extend his set from 75 minutes to 90.
鈥淯sually I do well over two hours, so there鈥檚 still a load of songs we won鈥檛 be able to do,鈥 he explained.
His set is expected to include some of his biggest hits. That includes ‘Maggie May’, ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?’, ‘Stay With Me’, and ‘Downtown Train’.
A Glastonbury moment decades in the making
This year鈥檚 Glastonbury Festival will also feature performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young and Raye. Rod鈥檚 set will take place on Sunday afternoon on the Pyramid Stage.
He joins a long line of legends who have taken the Sunday slot. That includes Diana Ross, Kylie Minogue, and Dolly Parton.
Despite his superstar status, Rod admitted he still gets nervous. “You never want to let the crowd down,” he said.
An icon still going strong
Rod has been touring and releasing music for over six decades. He has sold more than 120 million records worldwide.
Despite health setbacks, including recent flu-related cancellations, he remains one of music鈥檚 most recognisable stars.
He鈥檚 also working on a new book, expected to focus on one of his great passions 鈥 model railways.
“I鈥檝e always loved my trains,” he said. “People are surprised by it, but it鈥檚 something that keeps me grounded.”
Fans rally ahead of big weekend
Rod鈥檚 fans are already rallying ahead of Sunday鈥檚 show. Many have taken to social media to share their excitement and support.
One wrote: “Rod Stewart is going to steal Glastonbury. The man is a legend.”
Another added: “This will be emotional. We love you Rod.”
Rod鈥檚 Glastonbury performance is scheduled for Sunday 30 June. It will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.