Rod Stewart, 79, will perform the coveted legends slot at Glastonbury 2025, marking his return to the iconic festival over two decades after his last appearance. The announcement comes as he scales back world tours but embraces select performances.
British rock icon Rod Stewart is set to return to Glastonbury, taking on the prestigious Sunday afternoon legends slot at the 2025 festival. The announcement, made by organisers on Tuesday, marks a significant moment for the 79-year-old star, who last performed at the legendary festival over two decades ago in 2002.
Stewart expressed his excitement about his return to the world-famous event, which will be held at Worthy Farm in southwest England. "After all these years, I'm proud and ready and more than able to take the stage again to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury in June," he said. Known for timeless hits like Maggie May and Stay With Me, the gravel-voiced rocker is embracing this selective performance shortly after announcing his retirement from large-scale world tours.
The Sunday legends slot, a staple of Glastonbury tradition, has previously been filled by music luminaries such as Lionel Richie, Dolly Parton, and Elton John, who used his 2023 appearance to mark his final UK performance. Stewart's return will follow in the footsteps of these iconic acts, cementing his place as a defining figure in British music history.
This announcement makes Stewart the first confirmed performer for Glastonbury 2025. The festival, which debuted in 1970 with glam rockers T. Rex as headliners, has since grown into a global music phenomenon. Held annually in the picturesque village of Pilton, it attracts 200,000 attendees and features over 3,000 performers across multiple stages.
Tickets for next year’s event sold out in just 35 minutes earlier this month, with standard tickets priced at £373.50 ($471.50). This represents a significant increase compared to the £97 ticket price during Stewart's last appearance. However, the rising costs have done little to deter fans eager to experience the unparalleled atmosphere and stellar line-up that Glastonbury offers.
Stewart’s return is expected to be a nostalgic moment for fans and a highlight of the 2025 festival. Since his last performance, Glastonbury has hosted an array of iconic artists, from David Bowie and Paul McCartney to Stormzy and Beyoncé. This year’s line-up included Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and SZA, further solidifying the festival's reputation as a premier destination for music lovers worldwide.
For Stewart, who has spent decades at the forefront of rock and pop, the legends slot offers an opportunity to showcase his enduring appeal and connect with a multigenerational audience. His performance is already one of the most anticipated of the festival, and fans can expect a setlist packed with classics that have stood the test of time.
With AFP
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