Rod Stewart, 80, proved he’s still every bit the showman as he took over Glastonbury’s legendary Pyramid Stage on Sunday, not only delivering a set full of glam, glitter, and hits—but also making his own pointed political statement. Amid a festival clouded by controversy over anti-Israel chants from Bob Vylan and incendiary calls from Kneecap, Stewart chose a different path—one that paid tribute to Ukraine and rallied unity over division.
Striding onto the stage in front of a packed crowd, Rod was joined by none other than Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood, who electrified the crowd with a guitar solo during Stay With Me. The two old pals harmonized on the chorus, bringing classic rock magic alive. Then came another nostalgic moment as Lulu stepped onstage in an all-white ensemble to power through Hot Legs, hyping the crowd into a frenzy.
In the midst of the show, Rod paused the party to speak from the heart. “There’s been a lot about the Middle East lately, quite rightly so,” he said. “But I want to draw your attention to Ukraine,” before launching into a cover of Love Train, dedicated to the war-torn country.
His message came just hours after punk band Bob Vylan sparked national outrage with chants of “Death to the IDF” and “Free Palestine”—drawing condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, Irish rap trio Kneecap called on fans to riot outside Westminster magistrates.
But Stewart, recently vocal about giving Nigel Farage’s Reform Party “a chance,” chose not to wade deeper into UK political mudslinging. Instead, he revisited his own frustrations—particularly over potholes outside his Essex home, which once led him to personally fill them in with mates and a wheelbarrow.
Back onstage, the performance was nothing short of spectacular. Multiple outfit changes, a sea of mini-skirted backing singers, and a final emotional rendition of I Am Sailing—with Rod donning a sailor’s cap and the singers clad in Celtic football shirts—left a lasting impression.
His wife Penny Lancaster, front and centre with sons Alistair and Aiden, proudly filmed his set, as thousands sang along. Fans were split on social media—some praising the rock legend for his energy and resilience, others claiming his voice had faded. But for most, the sight of Rod and Ronnie sharing the spotlight once again was enough to make the moment unforgettable.
