On the final day of Glastonbury Festival, Sir Rod Stewart delivered a captivating and heartfelt performance that left fans buzzing. At 80 years old, the rock icon commanded the Pyramid Stage on June 29 under the scorching sun, effortlessly blending his timeless hits with classic covers.
Early in the show, Rod performed his celebrated 1976 cover of Cat Stevens’ “First Cut Is The Deepest,” thrilling the audience with a passionate rendition. During this song, Rod shared a tender moment—a subtle but meaningful tribute to his wife, Penny Lancaster. As he sang the line, “I still want you by my side,” he glanced offstage with a warm smile, acknowledging Penny’s presence with affection.
Penny, 54, had been spotted mingling with fans earlier in the day, delighting admirers who snapped photos alongside the former Loose Women panellist. Some festival-goers even sported wigs mimicking Rod’s iconic hairstyle, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
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The night grew even more special with surprise appearances from music legends Mick Hucknall, Ronnie Wood, and Lulu. Rod also paid homage to Fleetwood Mac’s late Christine McVie, who passed away in November 2022, by projecting her image on the big screen while performing one of her memorable songs—a poignant tribute that touched many.
Even legends have their moments off. Before Lulu’s duet, Rod prematurely announced her arrival, causing brief confusion as only Ronnie Wood was on stage. Quickly recovering, he clarified that Lulu would join shortly, and she soon appeared, dazzling in a striking white suit as they performed “Hot Legs” together.
The set also featured a near-miss when Rod began singing “Maggie May” a little too early. Yet the crowd’s energy never faltered, erupting into an enthusiastic singalong that became a festival highlight.
Despite these minor slip-ups, the performance was praised by fans across social media. One admirer tweeted, “Like him or not, Rod Stewart has still got it! He’s a showman, a great entertainer, and can work a crowd. You go Rod! Big shout out to his band.”
Throughout the nearly 90-minute set, Rod changed outfits three times—starting in a classic white shirt and black jacket, switching to a vibrant pink suit, and finishing in a bold emerald green ensemble—each look as dynamic as his enduring stage presence.
Rod Stewart’s Glastonbury set was a perfect blend of nostalgia, showmanship, and heartfelt moments—highlighted especially by his loving homage to Penny Lancaster, making it a night to remember.