While selling over 120 million albums and landing in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it’s hard to believe that Rod Stewart started his career busking. Once performing on the street, the singer eventually found his way on stage. And over the last six decades, he produced hits like “Sailing” and “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy.” But even with all of his fame and accolades, apparently, Stewart needed to negotiate for an extra 15 minutes when planning his Glastonbury set.
On June 29th, Stewart will take the stage under the Legends Slot at the Glastonbury Music Festival. Although excited for his set, the singer was only offered 75 minutes to perform. While Stewart turned 80 back in January, the icon had more than enough energy to put on a two-hour show. But with the music festival full of hit performers, organizers couldn’t find the time. Not taking “No” for an answer, the singer eventually received 15 extra minutes.
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Speaking with the BBC, Stewart admitted he won’t be making any announcements during his set so he can perform a few extra songs. “Usually I do well over two hours so there’s still a load of songs we won’t be able to do. But we’ve been working at it. I’m not gonna make any announcements between songs. I’ll do one number, shout ‘next’, and go straight into the next one. I’m going to get in as many songs I can.”
Rod Stewart Promised “It’ll Be Glamorous, It’ll Be Sexy”
While Stewart hoped for more time, he wasn’t letting a few minutes dampen his spirits when preparing for Glastonbury. Thrilled to be added to the lineup, he said, “I’m really looking forward to it. And it is a different gig. It’s like when you’re playing a cup final: you’re trying to treat it like another game. But, of course, it’s not. It’s special. It’ll be glamorous, it’ll be sexy.” Stewart also revealed a little taste of what fans should expect. “We’ve got a little orchestra coming on to play with us. And we may have some bagpipes.”
If there was one part of the Glastonbury Music Festival that Stewart took issue with – it was how organizers called his set the “teatime slot.” Often considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time, he joked, “I just wish they wouldn’t call it the teatime slot. That sounds like pipe and slippers, doesn’t it?”
No matter the name of the set or amount of time he was given, one thing was certain, fans should prepare for a memorable show from Stewart.
(Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock)