Sir Rod Stewart says 'I wish they wouldn't' as he makes Glastonbury complaint ahead of set - Manchester Evening News

Sir Rod Stewart says 'I wish they wouldn't' as he makes Glastonbury complaint ahead of setThe Scottish musician is playing on the same day as Olivia RodrigoWhat's OnLiam De Brun TV and

Celebrity writer18:06, 03 Jun 2025Celtic fan Rod Stewart in the stands, before the William Hill Premiership match against St Mirren at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday May 17,

2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Celtic. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior

consent from rights holder.(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA) Sir Rod Stewart has made a surprising complaint about Glastonbury as he prepares to perform during one of the festival's most popular

slots.

Previously confirmed to play the legends set at the annual event, it was announced on Tuesday (June 3) when exactly Rod will be taking to the stage later in the month.

The final day of the festival, Sunday, June 29, will see the Scottish hitmaker taking to the stage from 3.45pm until 5.15pm.

Known for gracing attendees with performances from some of the world’s most famous stars, previous acts to play the legends slot include Shania Twain, Cat Stevens, Diana Ross and Kylie

Minogue.

British Rock Royalty Sir Rod joined BBC Sounds podcast Sidetracked By Glastonbury to speak to Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw about his Glastonbury Legends setlist, special guests and the

importance of vocal rest.

Asked what it means to be a ‘legend’, Rod agreed he 'deserved' the title but admitted that he’s not a fan of some people referring to the legends slot by its other name of ‘the tea-time

slot’.

Article continues below “I don’t mind, I think I deserve it. I just wish they wouldn’t call it the tea-time slot,” he said.

Saying that all of his children ‘brought their own tickets’, Rod joked Glastonbury 'give nothing away’ when it comes to the precious tickets.

On top of this, the Da Ya Think I’m Sexy singer revealed that ‘people just come out of the woodwork’ to ask him for a ticket, even those who he hasn’t spoken to ‘for 25 years’.

Sir Rod Stewart recording from The Devonshire pub for Sidetracked by Glastonbury(Image: Sidetracked by Glastonbury ) “At what point, did you become a legend? What’s the point when someone

transcends into legendary status,” Annie asked.

Rod replied: “It’s not for me to judge… I mean it’s just pure luck that I’m here… had the voice and the silly looks that you need, couldn’t have been anything else but a rockstar…

“So many people have not made it that I’ve known, just didn’t have the little break of me being on the railway station when long john boarded saw me singing in the early sixties and asked me

to join a band… simple twist of fate.”

Noting that ‘luck’ plays a part in artists’ achieving stardom, Nick said that it also comes down to ‘hard-work and talent’.

“You’ve got to be dedicated to it… When I was 16, it was burning hot in my chest – I have to sing, I have to play guitar … not football… I think a lot of kids don’t have that desire now,”

Rod stated.

Later in the interview, Rod discussed the effects his throat cancer had on his voice, the technicalities of singing and perks of being on vocal rest.

“Strangely enough, I’ve looked into this [singing with his throat] and Doctor’s have said it’s because I broke my nose playing football and that has given me this huskiness…and they’ve

actually said if you straighten your nose, you’ll breathe better but you’ll lose your voice so I said no way.

“I always wanted to sound like Otis Redding, so I purposely worked on the rasp but I think it’s purely by accident and was maybe God’s gift,” he said.

Rod continued: “My god, it’s a good hour’s warm-up…and a good half an hour warm up afterward, tons and tons of water.

“And if I lose my voice after a concert, if I over-stretch, the next day I have to wear a sign that says “I cannot talk to anybody”, and I have voice-rest for 8-10 hours and it works

miracles.. Really is the crown jewels.”

Looking back on when he had cancer, Rod said that he ‘had to teach himself all over again how to sing’ and he believed he ‘couldn’t do it’ at one point.

‌ Teasing that he’ll have three guests during his Glastonbury performance, Rod admitted that he has no plans on slowing down anytime soon despite being 80.

“I love all of it… I’m enjoying performing now more than I’ve done in my entire life and I’m in my 80s… you’ll see it at Glastonbury, my energy and enthusiasm is overwhelming almost.

“I’ve got a band I absolutely adore being with. This band has got 6 women in it, I think that’s where the balance has been found, some bands are all guys and there’s egos and too much

drinking but the girls have equalled it out , it’s so lovely … it’s given me a sense of family when I’m on the round, we have dinners,” he said.

Article continues below Sidetracked by Glastonbury is part of the BBC’s coverage of the festival on TV, radio, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. To listen to the episode, please click here.