Rod Stewart celebrates Michael Eavis's 90th birthday at Glastonbury
- Rod Stewart celebrated Michael Eavis's upcoming 90th birthday during his Glastonbury performance.
- Michael Eavis appeared on stage with his daughter Emily in a wheelchair.
- The event highlighted the intersection of music and political discourse at the festival.
On June 29, 2025, in the UK at Worthy Farm, Rod Stewart took to the Pyramid Stage during the Glastonbury Festival to perform a special set honoring the festival's founder, Michael Eavis, who was celebrating his 90th birthday. Eavis, who has played a pivotal role in establishing Glastonbury as one of the world's major music festivals, arrived on stage in a wheelchair. He was warmly greeted by Stewart, who expressed his admiration for Eavis's contributions to music and festival culture, prompting the crowd to applaud the birthday celebrant. Following the heartfelt introduction, Stewart captivated the audience with a performance of his iconic song 'I Don't Want to Talk About It.' He encouraged crowd participation, which highlighted the communal experience that Glastonbury is known for. The event included several surprise appearances from other artists, including Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, and Scottish singer Lulu, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Stewart's set also featured popular tracks such as 'Maggie May' and 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?'. In addition to the performances, the festival maintained its reputation for hosting artists who have strong political opinions, with comments made by Eavis about being unapologetic regarding the festival's political leanings. His interactions with the press reiterated the message that Glastonbury is a space for activism and discourse, culminating in a wider conversation about the role of music festivals in societal issues. The earlier exchanges emphasized that while some attendees might disagree with the festival’s themes, the organizers remain firm in their vision. As Glastonbury 2025 continued, anticipation grew for the festival’s closing act, Olivia Rodrigo, who was set to perform later that night. Stewart's performance and the attendance of Eavis underscored the blend of entertainment and cultural significance that has come to define Glastonbury as it celebrates music, community, and political engagement.