Sir Rod Stewart has hit headlines today after being confirmed for the coveted “Legends” slot at next year’s Glastonbury Festival. The 79-year-old’s performance will mark his first at the Somerset farm since 2002, in which he headlined the famous Pyramid Stage.
While the news has gone down well with lovers of his music, it comes just months after fans were left in a wave of panic when Sir Rod was forced to cancel a number of shows for health reasons. Rod pulled out of performances in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Lincoln, California, due to strep throat and a positive Covid test in August.
At the time, he reportedly said his ‘days were numbered’, triggering a wave of panic among fans. But he’s since reassured that these comments were entirely ‘misunderstood’ and made ‘in jest’, according to the Mirror.
Previously speaking to The Sun, he said: “When I said ‘My days are numbered,’ it was purely in jest. Aren’t everybody’s days numbered?” The father-of-eight, who’s previously battled prostate and thyroid cancer, also acknowledged that he’s more health conscious than ever before.
Rod mentioned that he’s pushing himself further with new fitness targets, including a bid to set a world record for his age group by running 100m in 18 seconds. He added: “I am in embarrassingly wonderful health and enjoying life to the full. I am not dying as far as I know.”
In an statement released today, Rod said: “I’m proud, ready and more than able to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury in June.” Glastonbury’s spokespeople also added: “We’re excited to announce that Sir Rod Stewart will play the Sunday teatime legend slot at Glastonbury 2025.”
Taking place at Somerset’s Worthy Farm, Glastonbury attracts around 200,000 music fans every year. Official tickets went on sale earlier this month.