Express Readers React to Rod Stewart’s Confirmed Future

Rod Stewart’s Triumphant Glastonbury Legends Slot: Fans Weigh in on His Future

Rod Stewart brought his legendary energy to Glastonbury’s famous Legends Slot on the Pyramid Stage, electrifying the festival’s finale with a 90-minute set that spanned career-defining hits including “Sailing,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Maggie May.” At 80, Stewart’s spirited performance affirmed that age is no barrier to showmanship, captivating one of the largest crowds of the weekend with both nostalgia and flair.

The Build-Up and Preparation

Stewart’s return to Worthy Farm was highly anticipated, marking 23 years since his last Glastonbury appearance in 2002. This year, he joined an elite roster of artists—Dolly Parton, Barry Gibb, Kylie Minogue, and Shania Twain—who have headlined the coveted Sunday slot. Sharing her excitement ahead of the big moment, Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster offered a “pre-Glasto party vibe” glimpse on Instagram, posting a garden snapshot decorated with bunting and building excitement among fans, who responded with encouragement and best wishes.

Performing the Legends slot was not just a professional highlight for Stewart, but also a significant personal investment. He revealed on talkSPORT that he accepted the invitation “immediately,” calling it “a great honour.” However, Stewart candidly shared that it came at a steep cost, as “it’s going to cost me a fortune to do it—$300,000,” accounting for the travel and logistics needed for his US-based band and crew.

The Performance: Energy, Iconic Moments, and Viral Highlights

Despite fighting through a challenging bout of influenza in the weeks prior to the show—reportedly so severe it nearly led to cancellation—Stewart delivered a lively and polished performance that rarely betrayed any hint of illness. He launched the evening with “Tonight I’m Yours” and quickly had the crowd in full party mode with a cover of Sam Cooke’s “Having A Party.” Special guests punctuated Stewart’s set: Lulu joined for a rousing rendition of “Hot Legs,” and Ronnie Wood reunited with him for Faces classic “Stay With Me.” Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis received a thunderous ovation when Stewart brought him onstage in a show of respect and camaraderie.

Social media buzzed as fans marveled at the crowd size and atmosphere. On X, one concertgoer wrote, “Massive crowd for Rod, fair play,” while another remarked, “Bigger turnout for Rod than Neil Young last night,” highlighting the sheer scale of his draw.

A bit of unscripted drama unfolded when Stewart—unfazed by live BBC cameras—vented about the very un-British summer temperatures, exclaiming, “It’s f** hot!” as he shed his jacket, adding to the charm and unpredictability of the afternoon. That candid moment quickly made the rounds on social platforms, with some fans posting screen grabs and reactions to his colourful delivery.

The Set and the Encore

Originally allotted 75 minutes, Stewart successfully negotiated an extended set of 90 minutes, squeezing in as many hits as possible. Addressing the BBC, he explained, “Usually I do well over two hours so there’s still a load of songs we won’t be able to do… 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.” The singer had to wrap up promptly; as time ran out, Stewart told the crowd, “We have got to get off the stage soon, we are done,” before closing with his iconic chart-topper “Sailing.”

Public Reaction: Should Rod Stewart Retire?

Following the festival, an Express poll gauged fan sentiment on Stewart’s future. The vote was exceptionally close—49% believed Glastonbury should not be his last appearance, while 46% thought retirement might be timely, and 5% were undecided. The results highlight a divided but passionate fanbase, indicating that, while some see the Glastonbury slot as a perfect swan song, a slim majority still hunger for more live performances from the indefatigable rocker.

Stewart’s Enduring Legacy

With a set that included surprise guests, genuine crowd interaction, and all the drama fans expect from a rock legend, Stewart reinforced his status not just as a performer, but as a living symbol of British popular music. His Glastonbury performance resonated as a triumph of longevity and charisma, joining memorable Legends Slot moments from past headliners and further cementing his place in the festival’s storied history.

Read more from fellow fans and catch behind-the-scenes reaction, including Penny Lancaster’s “pre-Glasto” Instagram post, via the official Hello! Magazine story. Explore the festival’s culture and the legacy of the Glastonbury Legends Slot with insight from the Clash Music review and stay up to date on all things Glastonbury through the event’s official BBC coverage.