Rod Stewart sparks debate over Glastonbury performance at 80
- Rod Stewart confirmed his performance at Glastonbury in June 2025.
- This will be his return to the festival where he last performed in 2002.
- Fans are divided over his booking, with some excited and others expressing disappointment.
In a recent announcement, Rod Stewart revealed that he will take the stage at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2025, marking a significant milestone as he will be 80 years old at the time of his performance. This news was shared through his Instagram, where Stewart expressed his excitement to return to the iconic festival. The Glastonbury festival organiser, Emily Eavis, shared her enthusiasm for the booking, highlighting that Stewart’s performance will serve as the final legends slot before the festival takes a fallow year, which is a planned break between events. Stewart’s decision to headline comes shortly after he stated he would be ending his large-scale world tours. While he remains energetic and healthy, with aspirations to focus on smaller venues, the announcement about Glastonbury has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some see his return as a fitting way to conclude his extensive performing career, while others have criticized the choice, viewing it as a possible decline in the festival's entertainment offerings. The reactions from fans illustrate a polarized opinion; some supporters look forward to hearing the classics that Stewart is known for, reminiscing about the singer's past performances, including his 2002 headlining role. Conversely, dissenters have expressed disdain on social media, using phrases like “final nail in Glastonbury's coffin” to articulate their discontent, and suggesting that Stewart should retire from large performances. These comments hint at a pervasive concern regarding the festival's future appeal and relevance in the music scene. Despite the backlash, Stewart’s wife, Penny Lancaster, has shown her support by sharing the news on her Instagram story. This indicates familial backing for his ongoing musical pursuits, even as he approaches a new phase of performing. The anticipation of Stewart's performance next year has ignited a conversation about nostalgia in music and the expectations surrounding legendary artists in contemporary festivals as they navigate their careers in later life, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming event.